Skip to content
Tech News
← Back to articles

OpenAI Now Has a ChatGPT Desktop App for Linux

read original more articles
Why This Matters

OpenAI's introduction of an official ChatGPT desktop app for Linux marks a significant step in expanding AI accessibility for Linux users, offering native support for popular distributions and architectures. This move enhances productivity and AI integration for a growing Linux user base seeking alternatives to Windows, emphasizing the industry's shift toward more versatile and privacy-conscious AI tools.

Key Takeaways

OpenAI is bringing its dedicated ChatGPT desktop app to Linux. The app is currently in preview and brings ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work and Codex to the operating system, the company said in a post on X this week.

Linux consists of hundreds of different distributions, with the most popular for desktop operating systems being Ubuntu. Google’s Android and ChromeOS use the Linux kernel, and Valve’s SteamOS also uses the OS for its popular Steam Deck portable gaming system.

There’s been a surge in people moving to Linux, many of whom are seeking to get away from Microsoft’s Windows operating system and the privacy concerns associated with it. Linux has more recently become a top choice for AI agents. The app furthers the quest of OpenAI and its competitors to continue to attempt to create a “super app,” where users will access AI for all kinds of uses, from chatbots to coding to browsing.

The current list of supported Linux distributions for the ChatGPT app is Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and 26.04 LTS, Debian 13, Fedora 43 and 44. While the list is short, other distributions that are based on one of the above and support the same application packages should also be able to install and use the app. The app supports both x64 and ARM64 architectures and can be installed via .deb or .rpm packages.

Now in preview: The ChatGPT desktop app for Linux.

Use ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex where you already work and build, with your projects and browser workflows on supported Linux systems. pic.twitter.com/OtsPt5N5QC — OpenAI (@OpenAI) August 11, 2026

There are unofficial ChatGPT Linux apps floating around, but now there’s an official option. You’ll get access to the standard ChatGPT chatbot and Codex, and if you’re subscribed to the Plus tier or higher, you’ll have access to the newer ChatGPT Work, which was introduced with the launch of ChatGPT-5.6.

If you’re more of a Claude user, Anthropic released a Linux app in beta for Ubuntu 22.04+ and Debian 12+ back in June.

(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET’s parent company, in 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)

... continue reading