Google Secretly Tests Gemini for macOS in Challenge to ChatGPT and Claude

Google previously conducted secret tests of Gemini for macOS under the codename “Janus” and developed Desktop Intelligence, which can connect to system data such as calendars. The initiative aims to move generative AI beyond browser-based chat tools and turn it into a personalized desktop assistant, directly challenging OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude.

Google formally launched the free Gemini app for macOS on April 15, 2026. It supports Apple Silicon and macOS 15 or later, can be summoned with Option+Space and allows users to share window content. On June 30, Google also announced that Gemini Spark was coming to Mac, with the ability to handle local files and scheduled tasks, and previewed more powerful AI voice dictation features for the summer.