ChatGPT, OpenAI’s widely used AI chatbot, is now accessible to all macOS users, the company announced on Tuesday, June 25. Initially revealed ahead of Apple’s WWDC 2024 in June, the app brings seamless integration between OpenAI’s chatbot and Apple’s operating systems for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Seamless Integration with macOS
For Mac users, accessing ChatGPT has become incredibly convenient. After installing the new ChatGPT app, users can launch it by pressing Option + Space, a shortcut that will feel intuitive to those familiar with macOS keyboard commands like Command + Space for Spotlight Search.
This new shortcut provides immediate access to ChatGPT, presenting a chat interface overlaid on the screen. The app mirrors the ChatGPT website’s appearance and functionality, including custom GPTs, file, photo, and screenshot uploads, but in a native app form.
Key Features of the macOS ChatGPT App
The launch of the macOS app initially went under the radar due to the concurrent announcement of GPT-4o, OpenAI’s advanced generative AI model. GPT-4o, capable of understanding and generating text, speech, and video, overshadowed the ChatGPT app release.
However, the macOS app, available for both free and paid users, offers robust functionalities such as taking and discussing screenshots directly within the app, uploading files and photos, and reviewing past conversations.
OpenAI had begun a gradual rollout of the macOS app, starting with Plus subscribers. Today, the company confirmed via a post on X that the app is now available to all Mac users running Apple Silicon Macs on macOS Sonoma or higher, excluding Intel-based Macs.
Why is There No Windows ChatGPT App Yet?
Notably, ChatGPT has an official macOS client before a Windows one, despite Microsoft being OpenAI’s most crucial partner. This is likely due to the integration of OpenAI-powered Microsoft CoPilot within Windows 11, which may explain the absence of a standalone ChatGPT app for Windows.
OpenAI and Apple are also collaborating on Apple Intelligence, expected to launch later this year, providing further integration of AI capabilities across Apple devices.
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