Apple is diving deeper into AI for the Mac, branding its initiative “Apple Intelligence.” While it’s still in its early stages, OpenAI has been moving full steam ahead. Earlier this year, it launched its ChatGPT app, which recently received an update to integrate web-searching capabilities directly into its macOS app. Having tried the latest version on macOS Sequoia, I’m amazed at how transformative it is. With web integration, versatile input options, and seamless Mac-friendly features, ChatGPT’s app has become an essential tool for my MacBook—effectively turning it into an “AI-powered PC.”
ChatGPT’s macOS app utilizes OpenAI’s advanced GPT-4o model, which handles text, image, and voice inputs. By default, the app smartly determines the mode you need, but you can also manually specify it using shortcuts. The image generation feature, for instance, is remarkably effective when provided with detailed prompts. A generic request like “create me a landscape” may yield ambiguous results, but a specific description—like “a snowy Norwegian fjord with midday sunlight, snowcapped mountains, and abundant wildlife”—produces stunning visuals. While occasional quirks, like odd animal designs, persist, asking for refinements often leads to impressive results.
The voice input mode caters to moments when typing isn’t ideal. It’s useful for tasks like finding recipes but can read instructions too quickly, making it difficult to follow. Unfortunately, the text output is only visible after the voice interaction ends, which limits its practicality for step-by-step tasks. On the other hand, ChatGPT’s “reason” mode taps into OpenAI’s o1 model, which excels at complex problem-solving in areas like science, math, and coding. While it’s slower, it’s incredibly capable, though I rarely need its advanced features. Most of my day-to-day tasks—like writing formulas or clarifying concepts—are easily handled by the standard GPT-4o model.
One of ChatGPT’s standout features is its ability to search the web, which has significantly changed how I approach online queries. Google’s search results have become increasingly unsatisfactory for me, often delivering irrelevant or contradictory information. ChatGPT, by contrast, offers detailed, organized answers that are easier to process. For example, when I asked about a recent Champions League match between Liverpool and Real Madrid, ChatGPT not only provided the score but also included a match report, historical context, and implications for both teams. Google could offer similar information, but it would require clicking through multiple websites.
Another example involves Stardew Valley’s latest update. When seeking farm layout inspiration, ChatGPT delivered a mix of text-based tips and images—all in one place. It’s a level of convenience Google’s traditional search engine can’t match. That said, Google still has its strengths, especially for browsing forums or exploring nebulous ideas. But with ChatGPT’s Mac integration, the muscle memory of defaulting to Google is slowly fading.
A particularly handy feature of the macOS app is its keyboard shortcut: pressing Option-Space brings up a small input box for quick queries. The interface is reminiscent of macOS Spotlight and offers instant access to ChatGPT without needing to open a separate app. This convenience has made it my go-to tool for finding answers, replacing my reliance on Google for precise, quick searches.
ChatGPT’s web-search integration isn’t just faster—it’s also more insightful. While Google relies on an AI snippet paired with a long list of links, ChatGPT delivers a comprehensive, structured response tailored to my query. This approach feels more intuitive, saving me from sifting through pages of content. It’s akin to how streaming services replaced the randomness of live TV schedules—offering on-demand solutions that suit my needs.
Ultimately, the integration of ChatGPT into macOS has been a game-changer. It’s not just a tool I have to seek out; it’s seamlessly embedded into my workflow. The app’s ability to provide detailed, accurate, and context-aware answers makes it an indispensable resource. And with Apple Intelligence promising more AI-driven features in the future, this is only the beginning of what’s possible for Mac users.
