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Chatmlx

ChatMLX is an open-source macOS chat application that runs large language models locally using MLX and Apple silicon. It supports multiple model families, including Llama, Qwen and Gemma.

Explore the practical guide ↓

Independent OpenViST project profile, based on linked sources.

Chatmlx — OpenViST project profile in Local & Self-hosted AI.
OpenViST project illustration. See the linked sources for product details.
Understand the project

Practical overview

When it fits

Use ChatMLX when you want a local model-chat interface on a compatible Mac, particularly to explore several supported model families or use the documented language options.

Who it is for

  • Mac users on macOS 14 or later who want to chat with language models locally.
  • People interested in trying supported model families such as Llama, Qwen, Gemma, Phi and OpenELM.
  • Users seeking a multilingual local assistant; the project lists support for 39 major App Store languages.

Documented uses

  • Hold conversations with locally run language models through a desktop chat interface.
  • Explore different supported model families in one application.
Before you choose

Requirements & limits

The documented system requirement is macOS 14.0 or later. The project README says the app is not signed and describes macOS security warnings after installation.

  • Requires macOS 14.0 or later.
  • Built around MLX and Apple silicon for local model use.
  • The README lists support for Llama, OpenELM, Phi, Qwen, Starcoder, Cohere and Gemma.
  • The project identifies its license as Apache-2.0.
  • The README notes that the app is unsigned and provides terminal workarounds for certain macOS launch warnings.

Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.

Source-based practical guide

Clear macOS quarantine attributes when ChatMLX will not open

Address the documented macOS security block that can show “The file is damaged” or prevent ChatMLX from opening after installation.

Before you start

  • ChatMLX is installed at /Applications/ChatMLX.app.
  • A macOS shell is available.

Steps

  1. Run xattr -cr /Applications/ChatMLX.app.

  2. Try opening ChatMLX.

  3. If the command reports that -r is not recognized, run xattr -c /Applications/ChatMLX.app/* instead.

  4. If the issue remains, run sudo xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/ChatMLX.app/.

Expected outcome

The README says the app should open normally after the first command; it lists the other commands as alternatives if that command is unsupported or does not work.

Guide limitations

  • ChatMLX is not signed, which the README identifies as the reason macOS security checks may block it.
  • The README does not guarantee that these steps resolve every opening problem.
Documentation 1 ↗
Evidence and transparency

Sources & review

Official repository ↗
Source record details
Source availability
Active
Sources checked
16 October 2026
Original website title
johnmai-dev/ChatMLX · Official homepage title · retained in its source language
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