How ChatGPT's New 'Work with Apps' Feature on macOS Can Help You Code and Edit Notes Faster

OpenAI has unveiled a game-changing update for macOS users with the ‘Work with Apps’ feature on ChatGPT. This new functionality, available in the latest ChatGPT for macOS version 1.2025.057, promises to streamline your workflow by integrating ChatGPT directly into your coding and text-editing applications. Whether you're a developer looking to code faster or someone who simply wants to edit notes more efficiently, this feature could be a time-saver.

The seamless interaction between ChatGPT and various apps enables quicker responses, automatic edits, and more context-aware suggestions based on your specific work. Let’s explore how you can take full advantage of this feature and improve your productivity.

How Does ChatGPT 'Work with Apps' Enhance Your Workflow?

The ‘Work with Apps’ feature essentially allows ChatGPT to read and edit content within compatible coding and text applications directly. This eliminates the need to copy-paste or manually input information from one app to another, saving you multiple steps and reducing friction in your daily tasks.

By integrating ChatGPT within applications such as Apple Notes, Notion, Xcode, VS Code, and others, you can perform various tasks—whether coding, editing notes, or creating content—more efficiently. ChatGPT becomes context-aware, meaning that the AI’s suggestions and modifications are tailored to the specific project or note you’re working on.

Compatible Apps: A Broad Range for Every User

The ‘Work with Apps’ feature supports a variety of text editors and development environments. Here are some of the most popular apps you can use with this feature:

Text Editors: Apple Notes, Notion, TextEdit

Coding Applications: Xcode, Script Editor, VS Code, Terminal, iTerm, Warp, and Prompt.

This wide compatibility ensures that both casual users and developers can benefit from this tool. The integration also ensures a smoother experience across multiple applications, so whether you're writing code or jotting down ideas, ChatGPT is always ready to assist.

Setting Up ChatGPT 'Work with Apps' on macOS

Setting up the ‘Work with Apps’ feature is easy. First, make sure you have the ChatGPT app installed on your macOS device. Once the app is up and running, ensure you have the appropriate permissions enabled in your Mac’s Accessibility Settings. This may require entering your password for authentication.

Once permissions are set, open the ChatGPT app in the background and navigate to any supported app—whether it’s Xcode, Apple Notes, or VS Code. To activate ChatGPT in these apps, simply press Option + Space. The ChatGPT window will then pop up, recognizing the app you're working with, and will indicate whether it's ‘Work with Notes’ or ‘Work with Xcode’, based on the app in focus.

Context-Aware AI for Faster Results

Once ChatGPT is activated within the app, you can start typing your prompt. The best part about this integration is that ChatGPT is now context-aware, meaning it can offer responses or edits directly related to the content you are working on in the active app. For example, if you’re coding in Xcode, you can ask ChatGPT to help optimize your code or troubleshoot errors without leaving the development environment.

For text editors like Apple Notes or Notion, ChatGPT can assist you by editing notes, suggesting improvements, or even drafting text based on your prompts. The time-saving potential is enormous as you don’t have to toggle between apps or copy and paste between different windows.

Direct Edits in Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

For developers using integrated development environments (IDEs), ChatGPT can even edit files directly within your codebase. This means that once you ask for changes or suggestions, ChatGPT can automatically apply the edits without the need for you to manually copy and paste the changes. This automatic editing feature is a huge benefit for speeding up the coding process and making real-time adjustments to your work.

Additionally, ChatGPT’s AI-powered suggestions will be based on the context of your existing code, ensuring that the fixes and improvements it proposes are relevant and aligned with the goals of your project.

Privacy Considerations: What You Need to Know

While the ‘Work with Apps’ feature offers amazing capabilities, it’s important to be aware of how your data is handled. OpenAI has clarified that any content accessed through the ‘Work with Apps’ feature will be part of your ChatGPT account history and could be used to improve the AI models. However, if you're concerned about your privacy, you have the option to opt out of this data usage by toggling the "Improve the Model for Everyone" setting.

If you prefer not to have your data stored in your ChatGPT account history at all, you can use Temporary Chats, ensuring that no record of your interactions is saved. This option is particularly useful for users who prioritize privacy or those working with sensitive information.

Boost Your Productivity with ChatGPT's 'Work with Apps' Feature

The ‘Work with Apps’ feature on macOS is a significant leap forward in how ChatGPT can assist users in their daily tasks, from coding to editing notes. By offering seamless integration with apps like Xcode, VS Code, and Apple Notes, ChatGPT can provide faster, more context-aware responses, ultimately boosting your productivity.

Whether you’re a developer looking to streamline your workflow or someone who needs help with note-taking, this feature is a game-changer. ChatGPT’s ability to edit and suggest directly within your apps is an incredibly efficient way to get work done without constantly switching between different tools. As AI continues to evolve, features like this will likely become essential to anyone looking to maximize their efficiency and make their workflow smarter.