OpenAI brings native ChatGPT desktop app to Linux
The move follows a similar launch by rival Anthropic and addresses long-standing demand from the open-source developer community.
OpenAI has released a preview version of its dedicated ChatGPT desktop application for Linux, marking a significant expansion of its presence across major desktop operating systems. The worldwide launch, announced on Tuesday, provides users with access to ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex.
The company stated that Linux had been one of the most requested platforms for its desktop software, noting that the release now extends its core services to every major desktop environment. The new application is designed to integrate with the open-source developer community, which has previously expressed strong demand for native support.
Officially supported distributions include Ubuntu 24.04 and 26.04 LTS, Debian 13, and Fedora 43 and 44. OpenAI indicated that compatibility is expected for downstream distributions based on these base systems, covering a wide array of Linux flavours without requiring individual certification for each variant.
The release positions OpenAI slightly behind competitor Anthropic, which launched a Claude desktop app for Linux approximately one month prior. Anthropic’s application supports Ubuntu 22.04 or later and Debian 12 or later, establishing an earlier foothold in the native Linux market.
While the Linux ecosystem comprises hundreds of distinct distributions, the selected base systems serve as the foundation for many downstream versions. OpenAI’s decision to target these specific releases aims to maximise compatibility across the fragmented landscape while maintaining a streamlined development process for the preview build.
