ChatGPT rolls out the Windows app to free tier users and enhances its Mac app
- ChatGPT Windows app now free to all users
- It’s the quickest way to use ChatGPT on Windows
- ChatGPT Mac app can now talk to other apps
In a move that puts ChatGPT into direct competition with Copilot, the ChatGPT app just got easier to use for Windows users, and even more powerful for Mac users. On the Windows front, 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 18 October, and was initially for subscribers to ChatGPT Plus, which costs $20 a month (£16/AU$30) or Teams, but now it will work for all users on the free tier too. The app gives you faster access to ChatGPT because it can be activated with the Alt + Space keyboard shortcut, making it easier to launch and because it works in a window, it’s easier to pick up from where you left off. The app also contains access to the new ChatGPT search feature.
If you’re a subscriber to ChatGPT Plus then you’ll find that ChatGPT Advanced Voice mode, which gives you the ability to talk to ChatGPT in real time, is also available in the Windows app.
To use the ChatGPT Windows app you need to be running either Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Return of the Mac (app)
The ChatGPT Mac app launched back in June and very quickly became available to free-tier users. From today the latest beta version of the Mac app will now work with developer tools like VS Code, Xcode, Terminal, and iTerm2, with more apps being added soon.
What this means in practice is that instead of copying and pasting code into ChatGPT for it to analyze, you can manually connect your IDE or terminal to the macOS app and ChatGPT will be able to look at the content in the app when it answers your questions.
If you’re concerned about security, this new feature is opt-in meaning you will have to explicitly enable this function for it to work
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
You’ll need to be a ChatGPT Plus or Teams user to use the new features in the Mac app. According to OpenAI, Enterprise and Edu users will get access “in the next few weeks” and the company “plans to rapidly improve its capabilities.”
You might also like…
ChatGPT Windows app now free to all users It’s the quickest way to use ChatGPT on Windows ChatGPT Mac app can now talk to other apps In a move that puts ChatGPT into direct competition with Copilot, the ChatGPT app just got easier to use for Windows users, and even…
Recent Posts
- Amazon’s new Proteus warehouse robot is fully autonomous
- Let us filter AI slop, you cowards
- AI leaders call for tougher protections against AI-aided bioweapons
- 5 Best Smart Speakers (2026): Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
- I’m an outdoors expert — here are 9 easy-pitch tents I’d recommend for a fuss-free camping trip
Archives
- June 2026
- May 2026
- April 2026
- March 2026
- February 2026
- January 2026
- December 2025
- November 2025
- October 2025
- September 2025
- August 2025
- July 2025
- June 2025
- May 2025
- April 2025
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023