Key Takeaway
The technical framework consists of integrated layers where ChatGPT interprets user input to identify purchasing intent, which is then converted into structured queries by the Agentic Commerce Protocol. These queries are processed by PayPal’s ACP server to retrieve product data, presented conversationally by ChatGPT. Upon user confirmation, payment authorization is managed through PayPal’s infrastructure, eliminating direct integrations with merchants. Acting as an intermediary, PayPal facilitates merchant routing and transaction orchestration. Set to launch in 2026, this system will enable natural language product discovery, allowing users to express needs conversationally rather than through traditional search methods.
The technical framework functions through several integrated layers.
ChatGPT’s language model analyzes user input to identify purchasing intent, which the Agentic Commerce Protocol transforms into structured queries aimed at merchant catalogs.
These queries are processed by PayPal’s ACP server, which retrieves pertinent product data for ChatGPT to present in a conversational manner.
Once users confirm their selections, the protocol facilitates payment authorization using PayPal’s existing infrastructure.
This design removes the necessity for direct integrations between OpenAI and individual merchants.
As an intermediary, PayPal manages merchant routing, payment validation, and transaction orchestration, allowing ChatGPT to connect with the company’s extensive network of businesses through a unified protocol implementation.
Natural language commerce transforms how AI understands shopping intent
Set to launch in 2026, this rollout will introduce large-scale natural language product discovery to ChatGPT.
Rather than depending on keyword searches or manual category navigation, users will be able to articulate their needs in a conversational manner.
ChatGPT will interpret these descriptions, extract relevant product features, and query connected merchant catalogs to provide customized results.
