OpenAI has made its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, readily accessible to macOS users. With the recent announcement, Mac users can now effortlessly utilize this popular AI chatbot on their computers. This integration was initially revealed in June during Apple’s WWDC 2024, where OpenAI and Apple jointly announced the collaboration between ChatGPT and Apple’s operating systems for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
For macOS users, accessing ChatGPT is a breeze. After installing the new ChatGPT app, users can simply use the keyboard combination of Option + Space to summon the chatbot. This shortcut will be instantly familiar to Mac users who are accustomed to using keyboard shortcuts like Command + Space to bring up the search bar for Spotlight Search. However, instead of a traditional search, they will have immediate access to a vast pool of knowledge with just one button press. Once launched, ChatGPT appears as a chat interface overlaying the screen.
Although the launch of the macOS app initially took a backseat due to the simultaneous introduction of GPT-4o, OpenAI’s flagship generative AI model, it still offers significant advancements in intelligence. GPT-4o is capable of handling not only text and speech but also video, thanks to its multimodal capabilities and understanding of media. The addition of “omni” in its name highlights this versatility.
In the same press release, OpenAI also unveiled the desktop app for ChatGPT, available to both free and paid users. The company emphasized its convenience by mentioning that users can call up the app using a simple keyboard shortcut. Additionally, users can take and discuss screenshots directly within the app, upload files and photos, converse with ChatGPT from their desktops, and search through their past conversations.
Initially rolling out to Mac users with Plus subscriptions, OpenAI recently announced on X that the ChatGPT macOS app is now accessible to everyone. This expansion ensures that all Mac users can take advantage of the AI chatbot’s capabilities.
The integration between OpenAI and Apple extends beyond macOS. During WWDC, the companies unveiled a broader collaboration that will grant Apple customers access to ChatGPT on their iPhones and iPads, including through Siri and within other AI-assisted areas like Writing Tools. These integrations are powered by GPT-4o and are scheduled to be available to Apple customers later this year with the release of Apple’s newest operating systems.
Overall, the availability of ChatGPT on macOS presents an opportunity for Mac users to tap into the power of AI and easily access a wealth of knowledge and assistance. Whether it’s for research, productivity, or general curiosity, ChatGPT’s integration with Apple devices promises to enhance the user experience and provide valuable support across various domains.