Using ChatGPT on Mac? A big feature is going away
What's the story
OpenAI has announced that it will be retiring the Voice feature in the ChatGPT macOS app on January 15, 2026. The move comes as part of a strategy to create more "unified and improved voice experiences" across its platforms. However, the company has clarified that this change will only affect the macOS desktop app and not other platforms like chatgpt.com, iOS, Android, and Windows.
User impact
Impact on Mac users and future plans
The removal of the Voice feature could affect Mac users who rely on hands-free conversations for accessibility, multitasking, or long-form discussions. After mid-January 2026, these users will have to switch to the web version or a mobile device to continue using Voice mode. Despite this change, OpenAI has assured that no other features on the Mac app are being removed.
Feature removal
Reason behind the removal of voice feature
While OpenAI hasn't given a detailed explanation for the Mac version's removal, it could be because the current Voice implementation on macOS doesn't fit into its future plans. The company is focused on creating a more seamless and reliable voice experience across all platforms. Industry experts think that OpenAI is just rebuilding or reworking its voice architecture for better integration in future updates.