# Aiden

> Aiden is a private macOS menu-bar AI client for using hosted, routed, Apple, and local AI models from one hotkey-driven Mac interface.

Official site: https://chatwithaiden.com/
Last updated: 2026-06-19
Availability: Coming soon for macOS 14 and newer
Pricing: Final pricing has not been announced

## Product Facts

- Category: native macOS AI client, menu-bar productivity app
- Core workflow: open Aiden over any Mac app with Option Command Space
- Supported providers and runtimes: OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, OpenRouter, Ollama, LM Studio, Apple Foundation Models, Kimi, DeepSeek, Z.ai, and custom endpoints
- Privacy posture: local chat history, provider keys on the Mac, optional private iCloud sync, no Aiden cloud account, no website analytics
- Local model support: Ollama and LM Studio
- Apple model support: Apple Foundation Models, with Private Cloud Compute available for eligible Apple Intelligence requests
- Research support: Deep Research can ask clarifying questions, run Exa-backed web searches, and show citation chips with source popovers
- Agent support: Agent Mode can use enabled non-shell tools through bounded tool loops with approval policy

## Canonical Pages

- Home: https://chatwithaiden.com/
- Deep Research: https://chatwithaiden.com/deep-research
- Providers: https://chatwithaiden.com/providers
- Local AI: https://chatwithaiden.com/local-ai
- Agent Mode: https://chatwithaiden.com/agent-mode
- Shortcuts: https://chatwithaiden.com/shortcuts
- Raycast AI alternative: https://chatwithaiden.com/raycast-ai-alternative
- ChatGPT for Mac alternative: https://chatwithaiden.com/chatgpt-for-mac-alternative
- Ollama Mac client: https://chatwithaiden.com/ollama-mac-client
- Privacy Policy: https://chatwithaiden.com/privacy
- Terms of Use: https://chatwithaiden.com/terms
- Machine-readable pricing and availability: https://chatwithaiden.com/pricing.md

## Common Questions

### What is Aiden?

Aiden is a private macOS menu-bar AI client for using OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, OpenRouter, Ollama, LM Studio, Apple Foundation Models, and local models from one hotkey-driven interface. It is designed for people who want AI close to their Mac workflow without creating another Aiden cloud account.

### Where does Aiden store chats and keys?

Aiden is designed around local chat history and provider keys that stay on the user's Mac. Provider API keys are intended to live in macOS Keychain. Requests still go to whichever third-party provider or local runtime the user chooses.

### Is Aiden available now?

Aiden is coming soon for Mac. Release notes and availability details will be published on the official site.

### What is Deep Research in Aiden?

Deep Research is an Aiden mode for more complex questions. It can ask a clarifying question first, then use Exa-backed web search and visible citations to produce a source-backed answer.

### How is Aiden different from single-provider Mac AI apps?

Aiden is built around provider choice. It supports hosted providers, routed models, Apple Foundation Models, local runtimes, and custom endpoints in one Mac app with local chat history and provider keys managed on the user's Mac.