Additionally, Apple users can now control certain apps with ChatGPT on macOS. Earlier this year, I tested OpenAI’s free ChatGPT app for Mac, and honestly, it was impressive. Exclusive features like a dedicated launcher and integrated screenshot functionality made the desktop app more enjoyable than the standard web app. Unfortunately, free ChatGPT users didn’t have the same experience on PC. While the macOS ChatGPT app has been available to all users since June, Windows users had to wait until last month for the official app. Initially, it was available only to paid subscribers (ChatGPT Plus), leaving free users out—until now.
The ChatGPT App is Now Accessible to All Users on PC
As of November 15, OpenAI rolled out its ChatGPT app for all Windows users. Whether you’re a paid subscriber or using the free version, the app is available for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. To get it, simply visit OpenAI’s download page and click the “Download for Windows” option, or head directly to the Microsoft Store.
Just like the macOS version, the Windows ChatGPT app offers a more enhanced experience than the web app. You can access the ChatGPT launcher using the Alt + Space shortcut, use Advanced Voice Mode for more natural conversations, and take advantage of the native screenshot feature to share images with the bot.
What’s New in ChatGPT for macOS?
Although ChatGPT is now available on PC, the macOS version has some additional features. One major update is the “Work with Apps” functionality, which lets users integrate ChatGPT with specific coding apps on their Mac, such as VS Code, Xcode, TextEdit, Terminal, and iTerm2.
Currently, this feature is only available for developers and is limited to coding apps. If you’re not a coder, this integration won’t be useful, but for developers, it allows you to interact with ChatGPT directly in the app you’re working in, rather than copying and pasting your code into the ChatGPT app.
This feature relies on macOS’ accessibility protocols but may require additional software for certain apps. For example, VS Code (a Microsoft product) requires an extension to work with “Work with Apps,” as it doesn’t function with macOS’ built-in screen reader. While this feature isn’t relevant to me, given that I don’t write code, it marks a step toward broader integration between the ChatGPT app and other macOS apps. With Apple’s planned ChatGPT integration in Apple Intelligence coming next month, we’ll have to see where this all leads.
