What to know

  • OpenAI has updated ChatGPT for Mac to integrate with coding apps like Xcode, VS Code, TextEdit, and Terminal, eliminating the need for manual code copying and pasting.
  • The new “Work with Apps” feature uses macOS Accessibility API to read text from compatible apps, though it cannot write code directly into them like GitHub Copilot.
  • This feature is currently available for ChatGPT Plus and Teams users, with Enterprise and Education support coming soon.

OpenAI is improving the way developers interact with ChatGPT on Mac by introducing integration with popular coding applications. The new update allows ChatGPT to directly read and analyze code from apps like Xcode, VS Code, TextEdit, and Terminal.

When you grant ChatGPT permission to interact with your coding apps through the new “Work with Apps” feature, you can send selected code directly to ChatGPT alongside your prompts. For instance, if you’re working on a project in Xcode, ChatGPT can now analyze your code and provide suggestions without requiring you to copy and paste.

The integration works by utilizing Apple’s macOS Accessibility API for screen readers, which enables ChatGPT to read text from compatible apps. For VS Code users, you’ll need to install a specific extension to enable this functionality. The system can process up to 200 lines of code in terminal applications and includes full content from open editor panes, with the ability to focus on specific selections.

TechCrunch showed a demo with an OpenAI employee on how ChatGPT could spot missing code in a solar system project and suggest fixes without any copy-pasting.

While this marks a significant step forward in AI-assisted coding, it’s worth noting that ChatGPT cannot write code directly into the development environment. Instead, it provides suggestions that you’ll need to implement manually. OpenAI plans to expand this functionality to other text-based applications in the future, viewing this integration as a crucial stepping stone toward more advanced AI agent capabilities.

To access this feature, you can manage compatible apps through Settings > Work with Apps > Manage Apps. This integration represents OpenAI’s commitment to making AI assistance more seamlessly integrated into your everyday development workflow and this feature is currently available for ChatGPT Plus and Teams users, with Enterprise and Education support coming soon.