Starbucks Tests ChatGPT Integration as OpenAI Expands AI Commerce Push

Starbucks announced it is testing a new app integrated with ChatGPT, as OpenAI continues to refine its push into AI-driven shopping and product discovery.

Users can customize beverages, select pickup locations, and initiate orders within ChatGPT, but final checkout is completed through Starbucks’ app or website. (Photo: d'n'c Flickr)

According to Brooke DiPalma of Yahoo Finance, customers can describe their preferences, such as requesting a drink that provides an afternoon boost without being too sweet, or even upload images like their outfit or the weather.

The chatbot then suggests personalized drink options.

Users can customize beverages, select pickup locations, and initiate orders within ChatGPT, but final checkout is completed through Starbucks’ app or website. The move builds on earlier partnerships between OpenAI and major retailers like Walmart and Target, though its broader e-commerce strategy has evolved.

OpenAI previously introduced “Instant Checkout” within ChatGPT but later scaled back the feature.

“We’ve found that the initial version of Instant Checkout did not offer the level of flexibility that we aspire to provide,” OpenAI said in March, adding that it is now focusing on product discovery while allowing merchants to handle transactions independently.