Meta AI is now available as a more capable desktop app for Mac

Meta has launched a dedicated desktop app for its Meta AI technology, available exclusively for Mac computers running macOS 15 or later. The new 1.0 beta version weighs a mere 16MB and is designed to leverage Apple silicon Macs with a native AppKit and SwiftUI shell, enhanced by WebKit's rich chat content. This marks a departure from previous versions, which utilized Electron or were repackaged iPad apps.

The desktop app introduces a number of Mac-specific features, including Quick Invoke, which can be activated using the Option-Space keyboard shortcut to place a compact Meta AI composer over the user's current activity. A dedicated dictation feature allows users to hold a shortcut, speak their query, and have the transcribed text inserted into any application, from email and documents to code editors.

Meta AI can also attach a separate Mac window to an ongoing conversation, with the option to record the screen and capture screenshots when given Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions. This context gathering feature allows the app to understand the user's current activity without computer control.

The sidebar of the app provides quick access to various functionalities, such as Media, Artifacts, scheduled tasks, conversation history, and an "About Me" personalization section. Users can switch between different thinking modes, attach files, generate media, and create recurring briefings or reminders. The app also offers the ability to hide its Dock icon, allowing it to be launched with a keyboard shortcut instead.

With its release, Meta AI continues to expand its capabilities and integration across various platforms. This desktop app is the latest addition to Meta's growing suite of AI-powered tools, following updates that replaced Llama with Muse Spark, expanded Meta AI with more natural voice conversations and live camera assistance, introduced Muse-powered image generation, and integrated the AI into Threads DMs. Most recently, Meta launched Muse Code, an AI coding agent for macOS and Linux.