Mac users who enjoy conversing verbally with ChatGPT through the desktop app will soon lose that option. OpenAI has confirmed that voice functionality will be removed from the macOS application on January 15, 2026. This announcement comes as part of what the company describes as an effort to build more cohesive voice experiences.
The removal is exclusive to the Mac desktop application. All other access points for ChatGPT, including web browsers, iOS devices, Android smartphones, and Windows computers, will maintain their voice capabilities without interruption. This selective discontinuation has prompted questions about the reasoning behind targeting only the Mac platform.
While OpenAI hasn’t elaborated extensively on the decision, the phrasing in their announcement suggests architectural differences. The current Mac app’s voice implementation may not be compatible with the company’s vision for future voice features. As AI companies invest heavily in voice technology and even voice-enabled hardware, standardization becomes increasingly important.
Users who have come to depend on voice features face a choice: switch to the web version or use mobile devices for voice interactions. For those who value the convenience of a dedicated desktop app or have accessibility needs that make voice interaction essential, this change represents more than a minor inconvenience. The learning curve of adapting to new workflows shouldn’t be underestimated.
Technology industry watchers see this as a strategic pause rather than a permanent feature removal. OpenAI’s significant investment in voice technology makes it unlikely they would abandon Mac users permanently. The temporary removal likely facilitates a larger architectural overhaul that will eventually bring enhanced capabilities back to the Mac platform.