ChatGPT on macOS Can Now Directly Edit Code: What You Need to Know

OpenAI's ChatGPT for macOS has received a major update that brings direct code editing to your favorite development environments. This new feature allows users to modify code directly within supported tools like Xcode, VS Code, and JetBrains, streamlining the coding process and reducing the hassle of switching between apps.

What's New

The latest version of the ChatGPT macOS app now integrates a direct code editing capability. Developers can now interact with their code in real time: ChatGPT can read, analyze, and modify code directly in the editor.

An optional "auto-apply" mode lets the AI make edits automatically, so you don't have to confirm every change manually. This functionality builds on the previous "work with apps" feature, which allowed ChatGPT to read code from supported environments. Now, it takes one step further by enabling in-context code editing.

How It Works

With the update, ChatGPT accesses your code directly from the integrated developer tools. Once activated, the app analyzes the code you're working on, understands the context, and can suggest modifications or apply changes right within the editor. This eliminates the need to copy and paste code into the ChatGPT interface, resulting in a smoother and more efficient workflow.

Why It Matters

For developers, this update means significant productivity gains. Direct code editing accelerates debugging, streamlines code reviews, and enables faster iterative development. With ChatGPT now acting as an on-the-fly coding assistant, you can expect a more intuitive and integrated experience compared to traditional copy-paste workflows. Additionally, this feature positions ChatGPT as a strong competitor to other AI coding tools like Cursor and GitHub Copilot, further expanding the role of AI in software development.

Availability

Subscribers to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team can start using the code editing feature immediately by updating their macOS app. OpenAI plans to roll out the update to Enterprise, Edu, and free users next week. Moreover, a similar feature is expected to launch on the Windows version soon, broadening the platform's reach.

Conclusion

The direct code editing update is a useful addition to ChatGPT on macOS, making it a more helpful tool for developers. By reducing the friction between AI assistance and the coding environment, this feature aims to improve efficiency and streamline workflows.