ChatGPT’s dedicated macOS app is now available to download for all Mac users and for free, giving easier access to OpenAI’s chatbot on compatible devices.
The company announced the news with a post on its X account – saying that it would give “faster access to ChatGPT” – together with several short videos of different functions available. Previously, the app has only been available to Mac users who subscribed to ChatGPT’s ‘Plus’ tier.
The news comes in the wake of Apple’s announcement at WWDC 2024 that ChatGPT would be integrated into Siri and other macOS, iOS and iPadOS apps as part of its Apple Intelligence unveiling.
What Macs Can Do With ChatGPT
Anybody who already uses ChatGPT via a browser or other apps will be accustomed to the tools it offers users.
Among the tools previewed on OpenAI’s X feed are the ability to take a screenshot to input into ChatGPT, search past conversations, and find out more about anything on your computer.
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However, it’s worth noting that on the OpenAI support site, it states that the system requirements for downloading the ChatGPT app are macOS 14 and Apple Silicon (M1 or better).
Anybody with an older Mac can still use the chatbot, of course, but will have to do so via the ChatGPT webpage rather than the dedicated app.
How to Get and Use the ChatGPT Mac App
The ChatGPT app for Macs is available now. Once you’ve downloaded it on to a compatible device, it’s extremely easy to use.
Simply hit the “Option + Space” shortcut and the ‘Message ChatGPT’ box will appear. From there, you can type a query, upload a file, take a screenshot or webcam photo, or choose to open up the full app.
The ChatGPT desktop app for macOS is now available for all users.
Get faster access to ChatGPT to chat about email, screenshots, and anything on your screen with the Option + Space shortcut: https://t.co/2rEx3PmMqg pic.twitter.com/x9sT8AnjDm
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) June 25, 2024
In just the same way as you would have done before on ChatGPT via web browser, you can then expand on or refine your query.
You also have the option to control ChatGPT via voice controls. Tap the headphone icon in the app and away you go.
When Will Windows Get Native ChatGPT App?
The introduction of the dedicated Mac app leaves Windows as the only mainstream operating system not have one. ChatGPT released iOS and Android apps in May and July last year respectively.
Despite the billions of dollars that Microsoft has invested in OpenAI, the latter has prioritized Apple products for its desktop app roll-out. It is understood that the Windows app will be available later in 2024.
Until then, Windows users who want to utilize ChatGPT will have to do so via their web browser as before. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to push its own Copilot chatbot, recently rolling out new features for Windows 11 and making it more intuitive to use on devices such as its Surface Pro 10 and the Surface Laptop 6.
Copilot is “embedded” within Windows, Microsoft 365, Teams, and Edge, among others, with new functionality that includes AI summaries of workplace meetings, generating email templates and tweaking your Windows interface.
