How to Download And Use Grok 4 on Your Mac (Without X Subscription)

Grok 4 is the latest AI model from xAI, Elon Musk’s AI company. It launched on July 9 and immediately made headlines for scoring 50.7% on Humanity’s Last Exam—the highest result ever recorded. Unlike previous versions, Grok 4 was trained with tools built in from the start, giving it stronger reasoning and the ability to solve complex tasks like math, code, and simulations.

The model is available through xAI and the X platform, but full access normally requires a paid subscription. If you’re on macOS, though, there’s a faster way to start using Grok 4—without needing an X account or using a browser. A Mac app called Fello AI gives you direct access to Grok 4 in a native interface with no login required.

This article explains how Grok 4 works, what makes it different, and how to run it on your Mac in under two minutes.

What Is Grok 4?

Grok is a language model developed by xAI. It’s designed not just to generate responses but to solve complex tasks. The fourth version, Grok 4, was trained from the ground up to understand and use tools—like calculators, code interpreters, and even simulators—during its reasoning process. It can also interact via voice, analyze real codebases, and assist in academic or technical domains.

What makes Grok 4 different from previous versions is its improved accuracy across a wide range of benchmarks. xAI trained it to work with tools from day one, meaning it knows when to use them and how to interpret the results in real time. This shift in architecture helps Grok move beyond simple Q&A. It can reason through problems step-by-step, using external tools as part of the process.

In terms of content, Grok is still the same sharp, slightly sarcastic assistant. But now, it comes with a much deeper understanding of complex tasks, including math, programming, and logic-heavy questions.

What Makes Grok 4 Stand Out

The strongest signal of Grok 4’s progress comes from its benchmark results. In July, it achieved the highest score ever reported on Humanity’s Last Exam—a test designed to evaluate reasoning across 2,500+ graduate-level questions in fields like physics, medicine, engineering, and philosophy. It also leads or co-leads in tests like AIME25 and GPQA, which measure math and general problem-solving.

Grok 4 Heavy, a multi-agent variant, performs even better. Instead of one model handling everything, it runs multiple agents in parallel, compares their answers, and refines the output. This setup mimics how research teams work—different ideas, debate, then consensus.

These results show Grok’s strength in domains where memory isn’t enough and real reasoning is needed.

How to Use Grok 4 on macOS

Grok 4 doesn’t have an official Mac app yet—but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to using it in the browser. There are two practical ways to get a native-like experience on macOS. One uses a proper multi-model desktop client. The other is a quick workaround that turns the Grok website into an app-like window.

Option 1: Turn the Grok Website into an App

If you’d rather use Grok directly from xAI’s official web app but hate running it in a cluttered browser window, you can convert the website into a standalone Mac app using Safari or Chrome.

Safari (macOS built-in):

1. Go to https://grok.x.ai
2. Click File → Add to Dock
3. Safari creates a separate windowed app that launches from your dock like any native app

Chrome (if you prefer):

1. Open Grok in Chrome
2. Click the three-dot menu → More Tools → Create Shortcut…
3. Enable “Open in window” and click Create
4. You now have a Grok “app” in your Applications folder or Dock

This doesn’t remove login or subscription requirements, but it gives you a cleaner way to use the official Grok version—without browser clutter.

Option 2: Use Grok 4 Inside Fello AI (Native Mac App)

Fello AI is a lightweight desktop app for macOS that connects to multiple language models, including Grok 4. It’s designed to feel like a native Mac experience—no browser tabs, no logins, just a clean UI that runs locally.

Steps:

1. Download Fello AI from the Mac App Store (version 5.5.10 or higher)
2. Open the app (no login needed)
3. Pick “Grok 4” in the model selector (in the top right corner)
4. Start chatting

Using Grok through Fello AI is ideal if you want fast access without dealing with browser distractions or the limitations of the X platform. Most core features work right away, but some advanced options like Grok 4 Heavy or image generation may still require a separate subscription through xAI.

Option 3: Wait for xAI’s Official Mac Support

xAI hasn’t released a standalone Grok desktop app for macOS yet, but development is moving fast, and more platforms are being added regularly.

What’s available now:

• Web access at x.ai
• Mobile apps (iOS and Android)
• API access for developers
• Integration with coding tools like Cursor

Elon Musk and the xAI team have hinted at more advanced features coming soon, including multimodal agents and video generation. A desktop client for Mac could be part of that roadmap. If you prefer to wait for an official release, keep an eye on announcements from xAI and Musk directly on X.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use Grok 4 on macOS?

If you rely on Grok regularly, running it in the browser quickly becomes annoying—constant logins, switching tabs, and limited shortcuts. On macOS, you can turn Grok into something that feels like a native desktop assistant. Using apps like Fello AI or turning the Grok site into a standalone window gives you faster access, smoother interaction, and better productivity. It also integrates more naturally with how people actually use their computers.

Another practical benefit: by using third-party tools like Fello AI, you can often access Grok without needing an X Premium+ subscription. While some features may still be limited, it’s enough to explore and use the core model directly from your desktop.

Is Grok 4 free?

The basic version of Grok is available for free at x.ai, but it comes with daily usage limits. Full access—especially to advanced features like DeepSearch, Think Mode, or Grok 4 Heavy—requires a paid subscription. xAI also offers a standalone plan called SuperGrok, which doesn’t require an X account.

Can I use Grok without an X subscription?

Yes, you can. While full integration is tied to X Premium+, xAI has introduced the SuperGrok tier that works independently of X. Also, third-party apps like Fello AI offer access to Grok directly, without any need to log into the X platform.

Does Grok still access real-time X data?

Yes. Real-time updates from the X platform are still one of Grok’s defining features. It uses this data to give context-aware, current responses. However, access to this stream may depend on your subscription tier—free users may not always get the full real-time pipeline.

What makes Grok 4 different from ChatGPT?

Grok 4 is trained with tools from the start. It knows when to use calculators, code interpreters, and other tools to solve problems—not just generate text. It also performs better in reasoning-heavy tasks and academic benchmarks. On top of that, it brings a more sarcastic and casual tone, especially in its unfiltered modes. ChatGPT, by comparison, focuses more on structured conversation and creativity but doesn’t include real-time data or native tool usage.

Will Grok 4 continue to improve?

Yes. xAI has a clear roadmap that includes upcoming releases of Grok 4 Code (for software engineering), multimodal agents, and even video generation. Elon Musk has publicly stated that the team is building toward a general-purpose reasoning system that interacts with real-world simulators—not just a chatbot.

Can minors use Grok?

Grok is intended for users aged 13 and up, with parental permission required for teens under 18. Some of its modes, like “unhinged,” can produce edgy or inappropriate content, so it’s not recommended for younger audiences.

What does Grok do with my data?

xAI says it does not sell user data. Prompts may be used to improve the model unless you opt out. You can enable “Temporary Chat” to keep your conversations private and out of the training data pool.

Can Grok give wrong answers?

Yes. Like all AI models, Grok is capable of producing hallucinations or incorrect claims. It performs better than most models in reasoning tasks, but you should still verify its outputs when accuracy matters.

Can I personalize Grok?

To a degree, yes. You can adjust how Grok uses your X data and toggle certain modes. Some deeper personalization features—like persistent memory or task preferences—are expected in future updates but aren’t fully rolled out yet.

Can I delete my Grok data?

Yes. You can delete conversation history or your full account through the Grok mobile app or website. xAI says deletion usually happens within 30 days unless required to retain it for legal reasons.

Are Grok chats reviewed by humans?

Some may be. xAI allows a limited number of authorized reviewers to access user conversations to improve model performance or investigate security issues. You can review these policies under the xAI Privacy Policy.

Where can I use Grok?

Right now, Grok is available through:

• The Grok tab on X (for Premium+ users)
• The x.ai website
• iOS and Android mobile apps
• API access via the xAI Console
• Cursor IDE (Grok 4 Code integration)
• Third-party apps like Fello AI (desktop access without browser)

More platforms are expected as xAI rolls out additional products.

Conclusion

Grok 4 is one of the most capable AI models available right now—built for reasoning, not just text generation. With tool-native training, real-time data, and top scores in benchmarks like Humanity’s Last Exam, it’s a strong alternative to GPT-4 or Claude for tasks that involve complex logic, code, or current events.

If you’re on macOS, you don’t have to wait for xAI to release an official desktop app. You can either turn the Grok website into a standalone app or use Fello AI for a smoother, native experience—no login required, no browser tabs, and no X subscription needed for basic usage.

Whether you’re using Grok for productivity, research, or just exploring what top-tier AI can do, these options give you fast access with minimal setup.