Recently, OpenAI announced a major update to its macOS version of ChatGPT: users can now directly edit code within their IDE. This feature is currently exclusive to Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers.
According to an X post, this update elevates ChatGPT from a conversational tool to a developer productivity assistant. OpenAI revealed on X: "ChatGPT for macOS now lets you directly edit code within your IDE." Supported IDEs include Xcode, VS Code, and TextMate. Users can invoke ChatGPT via keyboard shortcuts or voice commands to optimize code, generate comments, or fix bugs in real-time within the code window. For example, in VS Code, users can select code and request "optimize loop," and ChatGPT will directly apply the improvements.
This functionality is built upon the "Work with Apps" extension, allowing ChatGPT to detect active applications and provide contextual help. While the macOS version was made freely available in June 2024 (X post, June 25th), this new feature is exclusive to paying users, highlighting OpenAI's tiered service strategy.
The developer community has reacted enthusiastically, viewing it as a challenge to GitHub Copilot and Swift Assist. ChatGPT's conversational interaction and cross-platform support are significant advantages, although some users hope for future compatibility with more tools. OpenAI stated that they will continue to optimize the feature, but haven't revealed whether it will be made available to free users.
This update deepens OpenAI's integration with the Apple ecosystem, and ChatGPT's position among macOS developers is likely to rise. Future developments are worth watching.