Last updated 08-21-2026
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Dottie
Dottie is a native Mac voice assistant that listens, reasons, and runs tasks on your computer instead of stopping at chat replies. Say "Hey Dottie" or hold Option+Space to dictate, and it can send email, schedule calendar events, search files, control apps, and read what is on your screen through built-in vision.
Most Mac assistants answer questions in a separate window. Dottie chains 134 system tools to finish work end to end, from drafting an email to creating a calendar invite. You pick how models run: local Ollama or MLX models on device, your own API keys for OpenAI, Anthropic, xAI, or Cerebras, or Dottie Pro for keyless Grok access at $20 per month.
The app ships as a free .zip download with no account required for local or bring-your-own-key use. It targets Apple Silicon Macs on macOS 15.4 or later, with sandboxed permissions defaulting off until you grant them. Developers get an open-source CLI engine called Dotbot plus a local Agent API on port 1317.
134 built-in system tools covering email, iMessage, calendar, Safari tabs, and file management
Hold Option+Space for instant voice dictation into any app without a separate window
"Hey Dottie" wake word for hands-free requests from anywhere on the Mac
Three model paths: local Ollama or MLX, bring-your-own API keys, or Dottie Pro keyless Grok
Screen reading through OCR and visual analysis so Dottie can act on what you see
3,800 plus local models from HuggingFace via Ollama and MLX for on-device inference
Free download with no account needed for local models or bring-your-own-key cloud use.
134 system tools let Dottie finish real Mac tasks like email and calendar updates, not just chat.
Flexible model choice spans on-device Ollama or MLX, BYOK cloud providers, or Dottie Pro Grok.
Open-source Dotbot CLI engine and local Agent API on 127.0.0.1:1317 for developers.
Mac-only on Apple Silicon with macOS 15.4 plus, so Windows and Intel Mac users are out.
Dottie Pro Grok access costs $20 per month if you do not want to manage API keys yourself.
15 granular permissions default off, so setup takes deliberate configuration before full automation.
Is Dottie free to download?
Yes. Dottie is free to download from GitHub as a .zip with no account required. Local models and bring-your-own API keys cost nothing beyond what you pay providers. Dottie Pro adds keyless Grok for $20 per month.
What Mac hardware does Dottie require?
Dottie runs on Apple Silicon Macs with macOS 15.4 or later. The site notes it is Mac-only today, with an email waitlist if you want notice when other platforms are supported.
How does Dottie handle voice input?
Dottie supports a "Hey Dottie" wake word for hands-free requests and Option+Space hold-to-dictate that types speech at your cursor in any app. A floating overlay shows live transcription while it listens.
Which AI models can Dottie use?
Dottie supports three paths: local models through Ollama or MLX on your Mac, cloud models with your own OpenAI, Anthropic, xAI, or Cerebras keys, or Dottie Pro for keyless Grok without managing API keys.
What does Dottie Pro cost?
Dottie Pro costs $20 per month for keyless Grok through xAI. You can still download Dottie at no charge and use local models or your own API keys without a Dottie subscription.
Can Dottie control apps on my Mac?
Yes. Dottie ships with 134 built-in system tools for email, calendar, messages, music, Safari tabs, maps, weather, app control, and more. It chains these tools to complete tasks rather than only answering questions.