Mac users of ChatGPT face an upcoming change to their experience. The voice conversation feature in the macOS desktop application will be discontinued effective January 15, 2026. OpenAI has explained that this move will allow the company to concentrate on developing more cohesive voice experiences across different platforms.
This modification affects only the Mac desktop app. Voice functionality will continue to operate normally on the ChatGPT website, which can be accessed from any computer with a browser, and on mobile apps for iOS and Android. Windows desktop users will also keep their voice access. Mac is the sole desktop platform losing this capability.
The specific reasoning for targeting the Mac version has not been fully explained by OpenAI. The company’s emphasis on unified experiences suggests that the current Mac app’s voice implementation may have technical characteristics that don’t align with future strategic directions. Voice is becoming increasingly central as AI companies expand into hardware and deeper integrations.
Users who depend on voice features will need to find alternative solutions. Those utilizing voice for accessibility needs, professionals with workflows built around hands-free conversation, or individuals who prefer verbal interaction over typing will all experience disruption. Transitioning to web-based or mobile voice access is possible but may not replicate the desktop experience.
Technology experts generally believe this is a temporary measure. OpenAI’s significant focus on voice technology in other contexts suggests that Mac users will eventually see voice capabilities return in an improved form. The discontinuation likely enables backend work that the current infrastructure cannot accommodate.