A notable change is coming to the ChatGPT experience on Mac. Starting January 15, 2026, voice conversation features will no longer be available in the macOS desktop application. OpenAI has described this change as necessary for focusing efforts on more unified voice experiences across its platforms.
The discontinuation is limited to the Mac desktop app exclusively. Voice features will remain operational through the web-based ChatGPT interface, accessible via any browser, and through mobile applications on iOS and Android devices. Windows desktop users will also maintain their voice capabilities. The Mac standalone app is the only platform experiencing this change.
OpenAI has not provided extensive details about the decision to target Mac specifically. The company’s language about unified experiences implies that the Mac app’s current voice architecture may not be compatible with planned developments. As voice interaction grows more important in AI applications, particularly with emerging hardware, consistency across platforms becomes essential.
This change will affect different users in various ways. People relying on voice for accessibility purposes, professionals who efficiently multitask with hands-free AI interaction, or users who conduct extended verbal exchanges will all face adjustments. Alternative platforms provide voice access but may not offer the same integrated experience.
Industry observers largely interpret this as a developmental pause rather than permanent removal. OpenAI’s ongoing commitment to voice technology across its ecosystem suggests Mac users will eventually receive enhanced voice features. The temporary discontinuation likely facilitates infrastructure improvements.