OpenAI has expanded the availability of its popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT, to all macOS users, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. This release marks a significant milestone, making the desktop app accessible to a broader audience following its initial announcement in June ahead of Apple’s WWDC 2024.
Key Features and Accessibility
With the new ChatGPT desktop app for macOS, users can quickly summon the AI by using the keyboard shortcut Option + Space. This shortcut is reminiscent of the Command + Space combination used to access Spotlight Search, making it a familiar experience for macOS users. Once activated, ChatGPT overlays a chat interface on top of the screen, allowing users to interact with the AI easily.
The app supports several GPT models, including GPT-3.5, GPT-4, and the advanced GPT-4o. The latter model, known for its multimodal capabilities, can handle text, speech, and video, offering a more comprehensive AI experience. Users can engage in back-and-forth conversations, upload files, and discuss screenshots directly within the app.
OpenAI highlighted that the ChatGPT app, available for both free and paid users, allows users to speak to ChatGPT from their desktop and search through past conversations. The app initially rolled out to Plus subscribers but is now available to all macOS users.
Integrations with Apple Devices
Beyond the Mac app, OpenAI and Apple announced a broader collaboration at WWDC 2024. This partnership will bring ChatGPT to iPhones and iPads, with integrations through Siri and other AI-assisted areas like Writing Tools. These features, powered by GPT-4o, are expected to launch later this year with Apple’s newest operating systems.
Limitations and Future Enhancements
Despite its comprehensive features, the ChatGPT Mac app does have some limitations. Notably, it does not support API usage, meaning users requiring API access will need to rely on third-party apps like Jordi Bruin’s MacGPT. Furthermore, while a new conversational voice chat approach was demonstrated by OpenAI, this feature is not yet widely available. For now, the app supports the traditional style of back-and-forth voice chats.
The ChatGPT Mac app is not available on the Mac App Store but can be downloaded directly from OpenAI’s website. This new release is distinct from the upcoming ChatGPT integration in Apple’s operating systems, which will enhance Siri’s capabilities by referring users to ChatGPT for more complex queries.
Competitive Landscape
Interestingly, there is no equivalent ChatGPT desktop app for Windows users at this time. Reports suggest that OpenAI prioritized the Mac app because the majority of its user base is on macOS. However, Windows users still have access to a variety of AI chatbot options, particularly with Microsoft’s integration of ChatGPT-powered Copilot across its products.