ChatGPT for Mac’s New Meeting Recording Feature Is Powerful — But Almost Unusable for Blind Users

When OpenAI released the Meeting Recording feature in the ChatGPT for Mac app, I was excited. Finally, an integrated way to record Zoom calls, transcribe sessions, and generate summaries using the same tool I already use for AI-driven productivity. As a blind user, I thought this could be a game-changer — especially in educational and professional settings where taking notes independently can be a major barrier.

But after diving in, I quickly hit a wall. And I’m not the only one.

This blog post is a message to OpenAI and the broader accessibility community: The new Mac app is promising, but its current state makes it nearly unusable for VoiceOver users.

What Works Well (To Be Fair)
Let’s give credit where it’s due. The Record Meeting button in ChatGPT for Mac does what it says:
- Captures system audio (yes, even Zoom calls).
- Offers a clean transcription with headings and bullet points.
- Allows export to Word or Google Drive.
- Integrates with the rest of the ChatGPT ecosystem so you can immediately ask for summaries, Q&A conversions, or formatted outlines.

In theory, this is a dream come true for students, professionals, and anyone who needs automated notes from meetings or events.

But Here's the Problem: The App Is a Nightmare for VoiceOver Users
As someone who relies on VoiceOver every day, I can’t ignore these issues:

1. Unlabeled or Redundant Controls
Buttons and interface elements are poorly labeled. I frequently encountered confusing elements like:
- “Four items selected” with no clear way to interact with them.
- Empty collections with no textual context.
- Repetitive prompts like “no action available” even when content was clearly present.

These are not just minor bugs. They completely break the experience when you’re trying to retrieve your recording or read your summary.

2. The Export Process Is Virtually Inaccessible
Once the recording finishes, the app says things like “four items selected” but doesn’t allow clear navigation through the content. You have to guess which one might be your transcription. And even if you manage to find the right section, there’s no accessible way to interact with or download it in the native Mac app.

I had to switch to a Windows environment through Parallels just to retrieve the Word document. Alternatively, I used the browser version of ChatGPT — which, ironically, is far more accessible than the dedicated app.

3. Dialog Boxes and Prompts Interrupt Speech Flow
ChatGPT constantly outputs extra dialog and metadata that interrupt the VoiceOver stream. Imagine trying to listen to a meeting while your screen reader keeps reading timestamps and internal message IDs. This is overwhelming and renders the experience unusable for long-form recording.

4. No Clear Keyboard Navigation Structure
Standard macOS accessibility patterns are missing. Navigating between regions (chat window, history, buttons) feels random. There are no consistent landmarks, regions, or headings to orient the user. The experience feels like a web app trapped inside a Mac app shell — but with worse accessibility.

What OpenAI Needs to Do Next

1. Work with Blind Users to Audit the App
Partner with real VoiceOver users. Run structured accessibility audits using real-world use cases: recording a Zoom meeting, reviewing the transcript, and exporting the summary.

2. Fix the Interaction Model
Every button, dialog, and action should be clearly labeled and easy to navigate by keyboard. Use AXLabel and AXHelp attributes, and follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines for accessibility.

3. Offer a Browser-Like Interface as an Option
The web version of ChatGPT is significantly more usable. At minimum, allow users to open recorded chats in the browser directly from the Mac app. Better yet: sync the UI between app and web so all users get a consistent experience.

4. Be Transparent About Accessibility
Clearly state which accessibility features are supported, and what’s in progress. Feature rollouts should consider more than visual UX — accessibility is not optional.

Why This Matters
For blind students, professionals, and educators, tools like ChatGPT could level the playing field. But right now, this Mac app is a barrier, not a bridge. When powerful features are locked behind poor accessibility, the AI revolution leaves people behind.

This isn’t about criticism — it’s about making a great product better, and ensuring AI works for everyone.

My Ask to OpenAI
Please fix the accessibility issues in the ChatGPT Mac app. I’m happy to provide detailed testing feedback, walk through my use cases, or participate in a usability study.

Let’s make this powerful tool truly inclusive.

Signed,
Taylor Arndt
Blind developer, educator, and Chief AI & Operations Officer at Techopolis Online Solutions