The Tools ChatGPT Is Likely to Replace

At OpenAI DevDay 2025, ChatGPT was revealed as more than a chatbot—it’s becoming a platform that can automate workflows, create content, generate video, and even write code. Discover which tools it might replace and how to get ahead.

Watch it here:

What Was Announced

Product / Feature	What It Is	Why It Matters
Apps in ChatGPT (Apps SDK)	Developers can build apps that live inside ChatGPT, so users can interact with third-party functionality as part of the chat.	This turns ChatGPT into an app platform, not just an interface. It lowers friction: users don’t have to leave chat to use tools.
AgentKit	A toolkit for building production-grade agents (multi-step, tool-using AI agents) with support for deploying, testing, memory, etc.	Makes building agents easier, more robust and manageable (less glue code).
Codex upgrades SDK	New features: Slack integration, enterprise controls, SDK support. Codex becomes more mature and integrated.	Codex is better positioned to be an automation / developer aid (not just experimental).
GPT-5 Pro + “Realtime Mini” Models	GPT-5 Pro becomes available through the API. Also lighter / “realtime” variants for lower latency or cost tradeoffs.	Offers greater reasoning, depth, presumably better for more advanced tasks (legal, finance, etc.).
Sora 2 in API	Sora is the video generation model; version 2 is now usable via API, more controllable (length, aspect ratio, etc.)	Brings video generation as a first-class modality. Tools that require video could be built with it.
New modes / costs	A few new model variants for efficiency, cost tradeoffs, lower-latency models.	Gives developers more options (not always “bigger is better”).
Scale & reach stats	4 million developers building with OpenAI, 800 million weekly ChatGPT users, etc.	This matters: shifting scale means the platform becomes more central.
Monetization Commerce App Discovery	OpenAI is enabling (or planning) ways for developers to monetize apps inside ChatGPT. Also, app directory, discovery mechanisms.	If you build an app inside ChatGPT, you can reach users and possibly generate revenue without having to drive users completely outside.

Potentially Disrupted Tools

Because you’re thinking in terms of “which tools ChatGPT might replace,” here’s a mapping (and caveats).

Tool / Platform	Threat / Replacement	Comments / Caveats
Zapier	With AgentKit and Apps SDK, you can set up tasks and workflows right inside ChatGPT, so you don’t need other tools to connect everything.	Zapier is general-purpose; AI-first workflows may reduce its role but not eliminate it entirely.
Make N8N	Same as above—logic can be embedded natively in ChatGPT.	Complex multi-step workflows might still favor specialized automation platforms.
Bubble	Apps embedded in ChatGPT could reduce the need to build simple web apps; agent logic can handle backend tasks.	For complex UI/UX or branding, Bubble still has value.
Webflow	Some web interfaces can be replaced by ChatGPT-hosted apps, especially for internal or lightweight tools.	High-fidelity, custom web designs still need Webflow.
REST APIs SDKs (general)	ChatGPT as the main UX layer shifts the entry point; apps can be consumed via conversation rather than traditional endpoints.	Backend APIs remain necessary; UX shifts from web/mobile to chat-first.
Runway	Sora 2 enables AI video generation directly within ChatGPT workflows.	Specialized features or cinematic quality may still require Runway.
Synthesia	Automated avatar/video generation can now be part of AI-driven agents.	Large-scale production pipelines may still rely on dedicated tools.
Apple App Store Google Play Store	OpenAI’s internal “app store” allows discovery, distribution, and monetization without external marketplaces.	Broad consumer reach may still need traditional stores for visibility.
VS Code Copilot GitHub Copilot Tabnine	Codex updates integrate AI coding guidance directly in workflow.	Developers may still use IDE plugins for custom features or team integrations.
Adobe Premiere Canva CapCut	Sora 2’s controllable video editing could replace basic editing needs.	Professional editing with advanced effects may still rely on these tools.

Where to Focus

Here’s my take on the DevDay 2025 tools—what’s worth diving into now, experimenting with, or keeping an eye on.

Feature / Tool	Recommendation	Why / Conditions
Apps SDK Apps in ChatGPT	Adopt (if your use case fits)	If your app makes sense in a conversational or tool-in-chat format, it’s a powerful distribution channel and lower friction. But if you need rich UI, this may not suffice alone.
AgentKit	Adopt / Early experiments	For complex workflows / agents, it seems promising. Build prototypes to see how robust the tooling is.
GPT-5 Pro (and stronger models)	Adopt for heavy lifting tasks	For tasks needing depth like legal, finance, domain reasoning, it’s likely worthwhile. Using the newer models can give you differentiation.
Sora 2 API (video generation)	Experiment / Wait for cost maturity	The capability is compelling, but the cost, latency, quality tradeoffs will matter. Test it, but don’t overcommit until it stabilizes.
Codex new features SDKs	Adopt	For internal dev tooling, automations, building code-adjacent features, this is immediately useful.
Monetization / commerce inside ChatGPT	Watch closely / adopt when stable	You’ll want to understand the cut, rules, governance, payout mechanisms before fully committing.
Every new “mini / efficient” model variants	Use where appropriate	Use lighter models when full capacity is overkill; this helps manage cost / latency.

Big Picture & Risks

• With ChatGPT becoming a platform + app-hosting environment, the center of gravity shifts: your app’s “front door” might increasingly be inside conversational interfaces.
• That means traditional app development and UX models need to adapt.
  The power of integrated agents + apps in ChatGPT means glue code and orchestration layers might shrink in value.
  But risks abound: cost, governance, moderation, discoverability (will your app get surfaced?), data privacy, platform lock-in.

Tool / Feature	Tip	Use Case	Why It Matters
Apps in ChatGPT (Apps SDK)	Adopt	Everyday productivity, personal apps, or small business tools inside ChatGPT	Lets you interact with external tools (e.g., calendars, spreadsheets, messaging) without leaving chat. Reduces friction for everyday tasks.
AgentKit	Adopt Experiment	Personal assistants, multi-step workflows, automating repetitive tasks	Can replace manual processes like booking appointments, sending emails, or handling multi-step workflows—anyone can benefit.
GPT-5 Pro	Adopt	Writing, planning, idea generation, research	Stronger reasoning and comprehension helps everyone—from students and writers to professionals—produce higher-quality content faster.
Sora 2 (Video API)	Wait Experiment	Generate short videos, presentations, or social media content	Creative work and visual storytelling become easier, but costs and learning curve exist. Good to experiment but not core yet.
Codex SDK	Adopt Wait	Code generation, automating repetitive digital tasks	Useful if you or your team interact with apps, websites, or custom scripts. Non-developers may benefit indirectly via tools built on Codex.
gpt-image-mini	Adopt	Quick graphics, blog illustrations, social media visuals	Makes creating visuals easy for non-designers; fast and cost-effective.
gpt-realtime-mini	Wait	Real-time conversation, voice assistants, interactive chat	Promises interactive experiences for customer service or personal assistants; early stage but exciting potential.
App Marketplace / Discovery	Watch Adopt gradually	Access new tools without installing apps, discover AI solutions	Democratizes access to AI-powered productivity and creative tools for anyone.