OpenAI unveils ChatGPT app for macOS as Windows takes a backseat

If you are a Windows user who works regularly with ChatGPT, we have got some bad news. It seems like OpenAI picked macOS over Windows for the release of the ChatGPT desktop app, at least initially. Because a Windows app is on the cards, as confirmed by OpenAI, along with the latest GPT-4o model!

The new ChatGPT app for macOS looks promising to me. Given the seamless integration, it can help with any active apps on the computer. You can ask direct questions, upload files and photos, or instruct the AI-based chatbot to perform tasks based on a screenshot, according to OpenAI’s official blog.

To use the ChatGPT app, simply press Option + Space to launch the overlay, and then either directly feed the instructions or upload a file, photo, or captured screenshot. When you go with screenshots, it will list the active windows and let you select one.

And the best part is that the app is available to both free and paid users!

But the question remains, why did OpenAI release a ChatGPT app for macOS before a Windows version, especially since Microsoft has billions worth of investment in the company?

Microsoft might have been on board

Even if we were to assume that OpenAI independently took the decision, recent revelations about Bill Gates still commanding a leading position at Microsoft and sharing good terms with OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, tells us that the Redmond-based tech giant would have been on board with the decision.

And Microsoft had several reasons to do so!

First, much of the functionality offered by the ChatGPT app on macOS will already be made available on the Windows ecosystem with the AI Explorer in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. So, a separate ChatGPT app would have dampened the excitement around the new feature.

Also, financially, it makes more sense to first capture the macOS ecosystem. Windows, on the other hand, will be a comparatively easier ride for Microsoft and OpenAI. And given the pre-existence of Copilot and increasing reliance amongst users, Microsoft wouldn’t be too concerned about Windows.

OpenAI, however, had another surprising explanation for the move. A report from Axios, quoting OpenAI, tells us that they went with macOS as that’s where most of its users were.

It’s unlikely that MacBook users constitute a significant part of ChatGPT’s user base because Windows has a much higher market share. If we were to compare the market share, Windows commands over 72% while macOS is much behind at roughly 15%.

We will have to wait for an official confirmation from Microsoft or OpenAI about the reason for picking macOS over Windows for the ChatGPT app. Because only that can clear things up!

As for Windows users, there’s no need to lose hope. Even though a ChatGPT desktop app is not coming to Windows right now, the built-in Copilot can perform some of the tasks. Besides, a wide array of AI-powered features are expected in Windows 11 24H2.

Why do you think OpenAI prioritized macOS for the ChatGPT desktop app? Share with our readers in the comments section.