Microsoft Copilot App Launches for Mac, Boosting AI on Apple Devices

Microsoft Launches Dedicated Copilot App for Mac, Enhancing AI Capabilities on Apple Devices

Microsoft has officially released a dedicated Copilot application for macOS, bringing its advanced AI assistant to Mac users. Initially available in the US and UK, the app leverages the latest AI advancements, including the new "Think Deeper" mode. To run the application, users need macOS 14 or a later version, and compatible hardware includes any Mac with an M1 silicon chip or newer Apple processors.

Key Features and Functionality

The Copilot app for Mac offers a range of features designed to enhance user productivity and experience:

• Native Dark Mode: The app supports a native dark mode, providing a comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions.
• Quick Launch Shortcut: Users can utilize a custom keyboard shortcut (Option + Space) for quick access to the AI assistant.
• Multi-modal Input: The macOS version supports text, voice, and photo inputs, allowing for versatile interaction with Copilot.
• Copilot Daily Feature: This feature provides a summarized rundown of daily news, weather updates, and other personalized information, similar to Samsung's "Now Brief" system.
• Advanced AI Capabilities: The app includes support for text-to-image generation, writing assistance, language translation, and image editing.

AI Landscape: Microsoft vs. Apple vs. Google

The release of Copilot for Mac highlights the ongoing competition and collaboration in the AI space:

• Microsoft's Strategy: Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, is integrating OpenAI's technology, including GPT-4.5, across its products. The Copilot app for Mac is a strategic move to extend its AI ecosystem to a new platform.
• Apple's Approach: Apple is working on integrating AI capabilities, particularly through its "Apple Intelligence" platform, which aims to enhance Siri and other core services. However, Apple has reportedly faced delays in its AI development, leading to a reliance on third-party AI models like ChatGPT for certain tasks.
• Google's Advancement: Google has been actively replacing Google Assistant with its more advanced Gemini assistant across its platforms, offering native OS-level integration and a standalone Gemini app.

Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

The introduction of Copilot for Mac positions Microsoft as a strong contender in the AI-powered desktop assistant market, even on a platform traditionally dominated by Apple's own software. While Apple is developing its own AI solutions, the availability of robust third-party AI tools like Copilot provides users with more choices.

The article also touches upon related topics such as the best new movies on streaming services, the evolution of AI in various industries (like NASA's VR training and Dyson's growing systems), and the increasing role of AI in everyday technology, including robot judges and AI in music.

Related Articles and Content

The article references several other Digital Trends pieces, including:

• "Windows has a major AI problem, and it's pushing me closer to Apple"
• "WWDC 2025: Apple announces iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 and more"
• "These two macOS 26 features would transform the way I use my Mac"
• "Apple needs to fix the basics for macOS 26, or let AI run the show"
• "WWDC 2025 could be the least exciting Apple event in years – and I think that's a good thing"
• "I tried a $5 scratchpad app for the Mac. I'll never go back to Apple Notes"
• "Microsoft might add a Copilot guided tour to Windows 11 to help new users"
• "Microsoft Edge Canary new tab page replaces MSN with Copilot"

It also mentions other computing news, such as NASA's use of VR for training, Dyson's innovative growing systems, robot line judges at Wimbledon, AI in music with The Velvet Sundown, and Amazon's increasing use of robots.

The author, Nadeem Sarwar, is a contributor to Digital Trends, with a focus on technology and science journalism. His background includes a curiosity for smartphone technology that evolved into a career in tech reporting.