ControlG vs Apple Writing Tools

Custom rewrite shortcuts or writing tools built into macOS?

Apple Writing Tools are deeply integrated on eligible Apple Intelligence devices. ControlG supports older Intel and Apple silicon Macs, adds reusable provider-based actions, and extends the same writing workflow to Windows and Android.

Compare Mac workflows View all comparisons

First-party sourcesUpdated September 23, 2026

ControlG approach on Mac

Select text in a supported field.

Press Control-G or your action shortcutCustom result

The action returns its rewrite to the same field.

Direct comparison

Apple offers deep integration. ControlG offers broader reach and customization.

Swipe the table sideways to compare both products.

Features verified from official documentation on September 23, 2026.
Question	ControlG	Apple Writing Tools
Mac requirement	macOS 12 or later on Apple silicon or Intel	Apple Intelligence requirements apply; Mac support requires Apple silicon
Core interaction	Select text and press the shortcut assigned to an action	Select text, Control-click, then choose Writing Tools and an action
Where it works	Standard editable fields across many apps	Apple says Writing Tools work in most places you write, including third-party apps and websites
Customization	Reusable prompts, shortcuts, providers and models	Built-in Rewrite, Friendly, Professional, Concise, Proofread and summary tools, plus Describe a change
Other platforms	The same product also supports Windows and Android	Available within the Apple Intelligence device ecosystem
Pricing approach	Free built-in allowance, then $29 one-time Pro licence	No separate Writing Tools plan is listed, but eligible Apple hardware and software are required

Which should you choose?

The hardware and workflow often decide.

ControlG is a better fit when

You use an Intel Mac or macOS 12 through a supported later release
You want reusable prompts with distinct shortcuts
You want optional provider and model choice
You also write on Windows or Android

Apple Writing Tools are a better fit when

You already use compatible Apple Intelligence hardware
You want features built directly into the Apple operating system
The built-in rewrite, tone, proofread and summary options cover your needs
You prefer Apple's on-device and Private Cloud Compute architecture

ControlG in practice

Actions that follow you beyond the Mac.

ControlG lets you define the instruction, provider, model and shortcut for a rewrite action. Signed-in accounts can sync action details across the three supported platforms, while desktop hotkeys and provider keys remain local.

The current ControlG Mac build is not notarized, so Gatekeeper may require right-click, then Open on first launch. That is a meaningful convenience advantage for Apple's built-in option today.

Apple in practice

Writing features built into eligible devices.

Apple documents Writing Tools in most places users write, including third-party apps and websites. Actions include rewriting, tone changes, proofreading, summaries and describing a custom change.

Availability depends on compatible hardware, operating system, language and region. On Mac, Apple Intelligence requires Apple silicon.

Privacy architecture

Both document boundaries, with different infrastructure.

ControlG's built-in rewrite text passes through its Azure service to Azure-hosted AI for the request and is not stored as a rewrite history. Optional provider keys stay encrypted on the device and send requests directly to that provider.

Apple says many Apple Intelligence requests run on device. More complex requests can use Private Cloud Compute, where Apple says request data is not stored, exposed to Apple, or retained after fulfillment. Optional ChatGPT Compose has its own disclosed data flow.

Sources

Apple documentation reviewed.

Apple, macOS and Apple Intelligence are trademarks of Apple Inc. ControlG is not affiliated with Apple. Feature availability varies by device, language and region.

Need custom rewrite actions beyond Apple silicon?

Try ControlG on an Intel or Apple silicon Mac, then use the same account on Windows and Android.

Download ControlG for Mac