Mac users who rely on ChatGPT’s voice functionality through the desktop app should prepare for a change. Beginning January 15, 2026, voice conversations will no longer be available in the macOS application. OpenAI explained this move as necessary for developing more cohesive voice experiences across its platforms.
The change is exclusive to the Mac desktop app. Voice capabilities remain intact across other access points including the ChatGPT website, iOS mobile app, Android mobile app, and Windows desktop application. This selective removal has generated curiosity about why Mac is being treated differently from other platforms.
While OpenAI hasn’t provided extensive technical details, the company’s language suggests the Mac app’s voice implementation doesn’t align with future strategies. Voice interaction is becoming increasingly central to AI applications, with companies exploring hardware products and deeper system integrations. Ensuring consistent, high-quality voice experiences across platforms requires architectural standardization.
Users who have incorporated voice into their Mac workflows face an adjustment period. Whether voice serves accessibility needs, supports multitasking productivity, or simply provides a preferred interaction method, its removal creates inconvenience. Users must switch to web-based or mobile alternatives to maintain voice functionality.
Industry experts generally view this as a temporary measure during infrastructure development. OpenAI’s continued investment in voice technology across its product ecosystem suggests Mac users will eventually receive enhanced voice capabilities. The current removal likely enables backend improvements that the existing Mac app cannot support.
ChatGPT Mac App Set to Lose Voice Feature Mid-January
