OpenAI Adds Deeper System Integration to ChatGPT Desktop Apps for Mac and Windows

OpenAI Adds Deeper System Integration to ChatGPT Desktop Apps for Mac and Windows

Today, OpenAI launched two key updates aimed at making ChatGPT more useful on PC and Mac. The updates include a full release of the ChatGPT desktop app for Windows with some new features, and a beta version for macOS that integrates with popular coding apps like VS Code, Xcode, and Terminal.

Why It Matters: OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT's utility beyond mere chat interactions, turning it into a real-time assistant capable of interacting with your existing desktop workflows, especially for developers.

For Windows: The ChatGPT Windows app is now generally available. Since its early release, OpenAI has refined the app based on user feedback, adding:

  • Alt + Space Shortcut: Instant access to ChatGPT.
  • Companion Window: Pick up conversations exactly where you left off.
  • Screen Sharing and Advanced Voice Mode: Making collaboration and interactions smoother.

For macOS: The new ChatGPT desktop app for macOS takes it a step further, especially for developers:

  • A new "Work with Apps" feature lets ChatGPT access and read content from your other apps—but only if you give it permission. During this beta, it is compatible with popular developer tools like VS Code, Xcode, TextEdit, Terminal and iTerm2.
  • Developers no longer need to copy-paste chunks of code. Instead, ChatGPT can analyze the code from your app directly, providing smarter, context-aware suggestions.
  • Currently, this feature is limited to Plus and Team users, but it will soon roll out to Enterprise and Educational accounts.

Zoom Out: While this isn't quite the autonomous "Operator" tool that OpenAI is rumored to be working on, these updates are foundational steps in that direction. The ability to understand and interact with your desktop environment will eventually lead to more capable AI systems that assist you across different tasks and workflows.

What’s Next: The company plans to add support for more apps soon, with the vision of ChatGPT working across writing tools and other text-based applications. For now, these features mark an important milestone in bringing practical AI tools directly to the desktop experience.

You Should Know: On the Mac, ChatGPT uses Apple's Accessibility API to read content—a reliable but limited tool. So to work with some applications, like VS Code, you'll need to install additional extensions to enable compatibility. It is also worth noting that ChatGPT can read your code and suggest improvements, but unlike GitHub Copilot, it can't write directly into your development environment —yet.

Chris McKay is the founder and chief editor of Maginative. His thought leadership in AI literacy and strategic AI adoption has been recognized by top academic institutions, media, and global brands.

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