OpenAI has rolled out an opt‑in Computer History feature for the ChatGPT and Codex applications on macOS. The tool, revealed in Thursday’s desktop app changelog, replaces the earlier Chronicle function and lets the AI learn from user activity across selected apps and websites, even when that activity occurs outside the chat interface. The feature creates a searchable timeline of the user’s interactions with chosen programs and sites. Users must enable it manually; it is not active by default. OpenAI says the timeline helps the models better understand context and improve responses. The tool replaces Chronicle, which previously offered a similar but less integrated history.
The system records actions from apps and websites that the user selects. Each action is timestamped and stored locally to form a chronological log. This log can be queried by the AI to retrieve relevant context when generating answers. Because the data stays on the device, OpenAI emphasizes user control over what is collected. The timeline is searchable, allowing the model to pull specific past actions quickly.
Chronicle offered a basic activity log but lacked deep integration with the models. Computer History is designed to feed the AI directly, improving its ability to remember and reason about a user’s workflow. By making the feature opt‑in, OpenAI addresses privacy concerns while still providing a richer learning signal. The change reflects feedback that users wanted more control and a tighter link between their Mac activity and the AI’s responses.
The new opt‑in approach means users can try the feature without risking unintended data collection. If adoption is strong, OpenAI may expand the range of supported apps or refine the timeline’s granularity. Privacy safeguards will likely remain a focus as the tool evolves.
How do users enable Computer History on their Mac? Users open the ChatGPT or Codex desktop app, go to settings, and toggle the Computer History switch to on. The feature remains off until the user actively enables it.
What kinds of activity can be tracked with this feature? Only the apps and websites that the user explicitly selects are monitored. The tool records actions such as file edits, web page visits, and other interactions within those chosen programs.