Discontinuation of ChatGPT Classic on Mac

OpenAI will stop supporting the original ChatGPT application for Mac on January 30, 2027. The app, which was renamed ChatGPT Classic after a newer version was released in July of last year, now shows a message urging users to move to the updated software. According to OpenAI, the transition should be straightforward, as all conversation history will be carried over, allowing users to continue from where they left off without starting fresh.

New ChatGPT app merges multiple tools

The new application was developed by combining ChatGPT with Codex, a programming tool from OpenAI. This integration brings together three distinct modes within one interface: Chat for casual conversations, Work for more complex tasks like research and document creation, and Codex for coding assistance. The goal is to provide a single platform that can handle both everyday queries and more involved projects that require interaction with local files.

User dissatisfaction with the update

Not all users are happy with the changes, especially those who mainly use ChatGPT as a chatbot. On GitHub, one user requested that OpenAI allow users to run ChatGPT and Codex in separate macOS windows instead of switching between modes within the same app. Another user suggested a lightweight, standalone version of ChatGPT, similar to the Classic app, for simpler use cases. Some users also noted that the web version of ChatGPT is less reliable and slower compared to the Classic desktop app.

Criticism of the new interface

The concerns about the new app also appear on Reddit, where users express regret over the loss of the older, simpler interface. Many appreciate the original app’s directness and lightweight design, while the new version is seen as more complex and geared toward professional tasks. Some users have reported performance issues, including bugs and unexpected behavior, with one user noting that the app downloads between 100 and 200 MB each time it is launched.

OpenAI prioritizes a unified platform

Despite the feedback, OpenAI is focusing on developing a more advanced application that combines multiple functionalities. This decision means that users who prefer a simple, standalone chatbot interface may be left behind. While transferring conversation history should ease the transition, it does not fully address the desire of some users to enjoy the new features without sacrificing the simplicity of the old app.