The app
Is Cortex on the Mac App Store?
No. Cortex needs to read other apps’ processes, which the App Store sandbox does not allow. It is distributed directly, signed and notarized by Apple.
Does it work on Intel Macs?
Yes. Cortex is built for Apple Silicon, and Intel Macs are supported with fewer metrics: there is no Neural Engine and no power data. It needs macOS 15 Sequoia or later.
Does Ask Cortex need the internet?
No. Ask Cortex runs on Apple’s on-device Foundation Models, and the answers stay on your Mac. It needs macOS 26 and Apple Intelligence. On other Macs, a built-in rule-based assistant answers instead, also offline.
What are the requirements?
macOS 15 Sequoia or later. Built for Apple Silicon. Intel Macs are supported without Neural Engine and power metrics. Ask Cortex needs macOS 26 and Apple Intelligence.
Buying and licensing
How much does it cost?
$5, once. There is no subscription and no trial. Every future update is included, for life. See the update policy.
Can I buy Cortex for more than one Mac?
Yes. Pick 1, 2, 5, 10 or 20 licenses on the pricing card. Each license is $5 and activates Cortex on one Mac at a time, so 5 licenses cover 5 Macs. You pay once, as with a single license.
Does Cortex work offline?
Yes. Once activated, your license keeps working without an internet connection.
How do I move my license to a new Mac?
One license covers one Mac at a time. On the old Mac, open Cortex › Settings › License and choose Deactivate This Mac. Then enter your key on the new Mac.
If you enter the key on a second Mac first, Cortex tells you which Mac has it and when that Mac was last used.
My Mac was lost or stopped working. What now?
Email hello@cortexformac.com with your license key and we will free it so you can activate a new Mac.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, within 14 days of purchase if your license key has not been activated on a Mac. Activated keys can’t be refunded. Email hello@cortexformac.com with your order number. See the refund policy.
Who handles payment?
Creem handles the payment and emails your license key straight after purchase.
Privacy
Is my data uploaded?
No. Your metrics, history and Ask Cortex conversations stay on your Mac. Cortex makes only two kinds of network request: the update check and the license check. There is no telemetry.
What does the license check send?
Your license key, your Mac’s name and an anonymous device ID. That is all. See the privacy policy for details.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no account and no sign-in. Your license key is all you need.