ChatGPT can now talk to your apps by voice: here’s what changes for you

Talking to ChatGPT has been possible for a while. Since September 23, the voice feature can, according to OpenAI’s release notes, also tap the plugins and connected apps available to your account. A voice chat can now trigger an action in another service. On web, iPhone, and Android, ChatGPT Work also lets you dictate tasks—like creating a document or presentation. What it can actually do depends on your plan, connected apps, and existing permissions.

The real change happens after you ask something. A basic voice question returns a spoken answer. The updated feature can, if you’ve connected the right app, pull data from that app or kick off a supported action. You’ll see the written response live in the chat. That means you don’t have to type out the full prompt first—and you can review the text later in the same conversation.

OpenAI distinguishes between Voice in Chat and Voice in Work. In Chat, Live voice mode can use available plugins as you speak. For example: ask about info inside an app you’ve already linked to ChatGPT. What ChatGPT can see and which actions it can take depend on that app and your settings. The new voice feature does not grant automatic access to apps that aren’t connected to your account.

In Work, per the official ChatGPT Voice guide, you can verbally request documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, use a connected app, or browse with the built-in browser. Think: dictate a meeting outline, then ask to turn it into a document. You can steer while it’s working. If you stop talking mid-task, it can continue in text. That’s handy if you start something on the go and want to review the results later.

ChatGPT Work itself isn’t new: AI Wereld covered its launch in July. This week’s news is that OpenAI is expanding Voice with Work on web and mobile, and that Live in regular chats can now use connected apps. It’s not a new AI model, and it’s not a promise that everyone gets the same work features.

OpenAI says Free and Go users can use available plugins during Voice chats in Chat. For voice tasks in Work, you need access to both Voice and Work. Features may vary by plan, country, app version, and your organization’s admin settings. Check the ChatGPT app to see what your account actually offers before subscribing for one specific feature.

There are usage limits, too. OpenAI notes limited access for Free, while other plans have Live time caps based on your tier. A task in Work counts toward both your voice usage and your standard Work limit. Plans and limits can change; for current comparisons, see the AI Wereld guide to ChatGPT and the official help pages for your account.

Screens still matter, especially with connected apps. According to OpenAI, Voice will ask you to approve actions that require consent on-screen. A spoken “yes” isn’t enough. Existing plugin permissions and your organization’s restrictions still apply. You can dictate a task—but sensitive steps still demand your attention and approval.

That’s wise. Voice assistants can mishear names, amounts, and dates, or interpret requests too broadly. When scheduling, state a full date and time zone, and review emails, spreadsheets, or bookings before sending or confirming. Also see our overview of which documents you shouldn’t just drop into ChatGPT if you work with customer data.

On your phone or at chatgpt.com, open a chat and tap the voice icon. If prompted, grant microphone access. Check in Settings if Live is available, and only connect the app you truly want to use. Start with a small, focused task and watch which app ChatGPT uses and whether it asks for permission. For a larger work file, open Work if your account supports it.

The update makes ChatGPT’s voice far more useful for tasks beyond talking. For users in the Netherlands, the key question is which apps and Work features your account actually gets. OpenAI mentions web, iOS, and Android, but not a one-size-fits-all rollout for every plan or region. As with typed AI prompts, always verify the result: voice convenience doesn’t change your responsibility for what ultimately gets sent or modified.