Overview
Switchboard is an open-source macOS application for Apple Silicon that routes AI compute, connectors, and context to lightweight apps called harnesses. It is designed so users can connect their AI, tools, and context once and then choose what each harness can use. The product is free for individual users and runs on macOS 13 or later.
Switchboard supports existing AI accounts or local models. Claude Code and Codex are supported, while local models such as Ollama and Whisper handle supported text and voice tasks. Web harnesses connect through a browser extension, and native harnesses use the local Switchboard connection; apps need a Switchboard integration.
Access is permissioned: users choose which apps can use their AI, connectors, and project context. Switchboard runs on the Mac, and when a task uses a cloud model or external connector, the information needed for that request goes to that service. Supported local-model tasks can run on-device.
Pricing
Free
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Use Cases
- Users use Switchboard to run lightweight harnesses without additional subscription or context load.
- Users use Switchboard to connect AI, tools, and context once and reuse them across compatible harnesses.
- Users use Switchboard to dictate into an app and place transcribed words at the cursor.
- Users use Switchboard to give apps access to a brand kit with logo, colours, and product images.
- Developers use Switchboard to build a harness with their own compute and combine tools, context, and capabilities.
- Users use Switchboard to share project context from their Mac with controlled access.
- Users use Switchboard to let compatible web harnesses request access to chosen projects and resources.
Features
Personal runtime for web apps
Share your AI with apps
Make storage available to apps
Lend tools and data to apps
Control access through one permission screen
Use apps without signing up
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FAQ
What is a harness?
A harness is a focused app built around a job, such as developing a brand or making ads. It combines AI, tools, context and an interface, and Switchboard powers it with the user's own setup.
What do I need to get started?
Getting started requires an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 13 or later, Switchboard, and a supported AI setup. Users can connect Claude Code or Codex, or use local models for supported tasks, and web harnesses also need the browser extension.
Is Switchboard free?
Yes, Switchboard is free for individual users. Users use their existing AI account, whose pricing and usage limits still apply, and any paid tools they connect retain their own charges.
Do I need another AI subscription for every app?
No. Compatible harnesses can use the AI connected to Switchboard, and users choose which apps can access it. Switchboard does not add model capacity or bypass the provider's limits.
Which AI can I use?
Claude Code and Codex are supported. Local models such as Ollama and Whisper handle supported text and voice tasks, and each harness determines which capabilities it needs.
Can websites use files on my Mac?
Compatible web harnesses can request access through Switchboard. Users choose the projects and resources they may use, and a website does not get unrestricted access to the Mac.
Does everything stay on my device?
Switchboard runs on the Mac. When a task uses a cloud model or external connector, the information needed for that request goes to that service, while supported local-model tasks can run on-device.
Does it work with web and native apps?
Yes. Web harnesses connect through the browser extension, and native harnesses use the local Switchboard connection. Apps need a Switchboard integration, so it does not automatically connect every installed app.
Will my existing connectors work?
Harnesses can use supported tools configured in the connected AI runtime, within the access allowed. Availability differs between Claude Code and Codex, and connectors from a chat account do not automatically carry over.
What carries across when I switch apps?
The project context the user permits carries across, such as a brand brief, voice, product notes or other supported files. Compatible harnesses can read that shared context and save supported outputs back to the project.