OpenAI to retire Voice feature on ChatGPT Mac app in January 2026

OpenAI will remove the Voice feature from its ChatGPT macOS app starting January 15, 2026, to streamline and enhance voice interactions across platforms, while all other functionalities on Mac remain unaffected.

OpenAI has announced that the Voice feature in the ChatGPT app for macOS will be retired on January 15, 2026. This change will end spoken interactions on the desktop version, affecting users who rely on hands-free dictation, brainstorming, or accessibility support. While this may disappoint Mac users accustomed to voice input, OpenAI emphasizes that other functionalities of the ChatGPT app will remain fully operational.

The company clarified that the decision is part of a broader plan to unify and enhance voice experiences across all platforms. OpenAI has indicated that the current macOS Voice implementation may not align with its future vision for real-time, conversational voice interactions. Differences in system permissions, audio handling, and platform performance have been cited as factors behind the decision.

Looking ahead to cross-platform improvements

Industry experts note that voice interfaces are becoming a central component of AI interactions. OpenAI has suggested that the removal is a temporary measure to consolidate development, reduce bugs, and ensure a more consistent experience across web, mobile, and desktop platforms. With new hardware and software initiatives in the pipeline, voice is expected to remain a key feature in OpenAI’s ecosystem, despite its temporary absence on Mac.

By focusing on a stronger, cross-platform voice architecture, OpenAI aims to provide users with faster updates, improved reliability, and a more seamless AI interaction experience in the near future.