Microsoft’s Copilot App for macOS Is Here—Here’s What It Can Do

Microsoft is expanding its Copilot AI assistant beyond Windows, officially launching a dedicated macOS app. Until now, Mac users had to rely on the web version of Copilot, but with this new release, they can now access the AI assistant in a standalone app.

The Copilot app for macOS works much like its Windows counterpart, offering text-based interactions for writing assistance, brainstorming, and other creative or productivity tasks. It also includes a dark mode and a keyboard shortcut (Command + Space) for quick activation—similar to how it works on Windows with Alt + Space.

More Integration, But Still a Web-Based Experience

At its core, the Mac app is still largely a web app in a dedicated window, meaning it doesn’t offer deep system integration like Apple’s Siri or ChatGPT’s macOS app, which can process screen context. However, it does include a menu bar icon for quick access and a prompt bar on the desktop for easier interaction.

One notable addition is Apple ID support, making it easier for users to log in without needing a Microsoft account. The app will also soon get document summarization, allowing users to upload text or PDF files, ask questions about them, or generate summaries—a feature already available on iPhone and iPad.

What You’ll Need to Run It

The Copilot macOS app requires macOS 14.0 (Mojave) or later and is only compatible with Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and newer). That means Intel Mac users won’t be able to install it, despite the fact that it’s essentially a web-based app. While Intel Macs are still supported by Apple, more developers are prioritizing Apple Silicon as the industry move forwards.

Free AI Features: Voice and Think Deeper

Alongside the macOS launch, Microsoft has also made two major Copilot features free for all users:

• Voice: Allows users to interact with Copilot using natural speech, similar to ChatGPT’s voice assistant or Google Gemini’s voice mode.
• Think Deeper: Uses OpenAI’s o1 model to improve Copilot’s ability to handle complex questions, providing more thoughtful and context-aware responses.

Both of these features are included in the macOS app, meaning users get access to the full range of Copilot’s AI capabilities without needing a paid subscription.

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