ChatGPT is rolling out the Windows app to free users and improving the Mac app
- ChatGPT Windows app now free for all users
- It is the fastest way to use ChatGPT on Windows
- ChatGPT Mac app can now talk to other apps
In a move that puts ChatGPT in direct competition with Copilot, the ChatGPT app is now easier to use for Windows users, and even more powerful for Mac users. On the Windows side, the app now works for all users on the free tier, and on the Mac version, the latest beta of the app now works with developer tools like VS Code, Xcode, Terminal, and iTerm2, with more coming soon .
The Windows version of the ChatGPT app launched on October 18, and was initially aimed at subscribers of ChatGPT Plus, which costs $20 per month (£16/AU$30) or Teams, but now it also works for all users on the free tier. The app gives you faster access to ChatGPT because it can be activated with the keyboard shortcut Alt + Space, making it easier to launch and because it works in a window, it’s easier to pick up where you left off. The app also includes access to the new ChatGPT search feature.
If you’re subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, you’ll notice that ChatGPT Advanced Voice mode, which lets you talk to ChatGPT in real time, is also available in the Windows app.
To use the ChatGPT Windows app, you must be using Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Return of the Mac (app)
The ChatGPT Mac app launched in June and quickly became available to free-tier users. Starting today, the latest beta version of the Mac app works with developer tools like VS Code, Xcode, Terminal, and iTerm2, with more apps coming soon.
What this means in practice is that instead of copying and pasting code into ChatGPT to analyze it, you can manually connect your IDE or terminal to the macOS app and ChatGPT can view the content in the app when it accesses your answers questions. .
If you’re concerned about security, this new feature is opt-in, meaning you must explicitly enable it for it to work
You must be a ChatGPT Plus or Teams user to use the new features in the Mac app. According to OpenAI, Enterprise and Edu users will gain access “in the coming weeks” and the company “plans to rapidly enhance its capabilities.”
