Key takeaways
- Free native macOS SwiftUI app designed for prompt→diff→commit workflow
- Supports Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, and Pi agent CLIs
- Built for Mac developers who want to keep their editor but want a native agent workflow
FAQ
What is Commander AI?
Commander AI is a free native Mac app that provides a polished interface for AI coding agents like Claude Code and Codex, with integrated git workflow for reviewing diffs and committing changes.
Is Commander AI free?
Yes, Commander AI is completely free with no subscription fees, premium tiers, or hidden costs. You pay agent providers directly for CLI subscriptions.
What agents does Commander AI support?
Commander AI supports Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, and Pi agent CLIs.
Executive Summary
Commander AI is a native SwiftUI Mac app that provides a beautiful interface for AI coding agents without trying to replace your editor. The core philosophy is simple: pick a repo, prompt the agent, review diffs, and commit—all with integrated git workflow. Created by a developer who found running multiple agents in terminal "stopped scaling," Commander focuses on polish and workflow over feature breadth.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Independent |
| Released | 2026 |
| Pricing | Free |
| Platform | Native macOS (SwiftUI) |
| Requirements | macOS 15.0+ |
Product Overview
Commander AI targets developers who want agent power without leaving their preferred editor. Rather than building another IDE, Commander provides a focused flow: add a project, choose a branch or worktree, prompt through native UI, review diffs with syntax highlighting, and commit—all without context switching.
The app connects to locally installed agent CLIs (Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, Pi) and provides a wrapper that's native Swift, fast, and designed specifically for the Mac.
Key Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Native macOS UI | SwiftUI with macOS design guidelines and smooth animations |
| Multi-Agent Support | Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, Pi via local CLIs |
| Integrated Git | Work on branches/worktrees, review diffs, commit |
| Project Management | Multiple projects, branch switching |
| Lightning Performance | Native Swift on Apple Silicon; instant responses |
| Worktree Support | Parallel task work without branch conflicts |
Product Surfaces
| Surface | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| macOS App | Native SwiftUI application | GA |
Technical Architecture
Commander is built with native Swift and SwiftUI, optimized for Apple Silicon. It doesn't handle authentication—instead using existing CLI installations that manage their own sign-in and API keys. The app focuses purely on orchestration and UI.
Key Technical Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Framework | Native SwiftUI |
| Language | Swift |
| Requirements | macOS 15.0+, supported agent CLI |
| Authentication | Delegated to CLI tools |
| Open Source | No |
How It Works
- Pick a repo — Add a project and choose branch or worktree
- Prompt the agent — Use preferred CLI through Commander's native UI
- Review & commit — See diffs, iterate, then commit with integrated git
Strengths
- Truly native Mac — Not Electron or web wrapper; genuine SwiftUI with macOS polish and performance
- Focused workflow — Does one thing well: prompt→diff→commit without trying to be an IDE
- Multi-agent support — Works with Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, and Pi; not locked to one provider
- Zero cost — Completely free with no premium tiers or hidden fees
- Privacy-first — No data collection; credentials stay in CLI, code stays on machine
- Fast — Apple Silicon optimization means instant responses and smooth scrolling
Cautions
- Mac-only — No Windows or Linux; requires macOS 15.0 (Sequoia) or later
- CLI dependency — Requires manual CLI installation and authentication outside the app
- Closed source — No visibility into codebase; can't customize or contribute
- Limited features — Intentionally minimal; missing advanced orchestration features of alternatives
- New product — Limited community feedback and track record
Pricing & Licensing
| Tier | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Full app, all features, forever |
Licensing model: Free closed-source app
Hidden costs: Agent CLI subscriptions (Claude Code, Codex, etc.) paid to providers
Competitive Positioning
Direct Competitors
| Competitor | Differentiation |
|---|---|
| Commander (Autohand) | Commander AI is native SwiftUI + polished; Autohand is open-source Tauri |
| Agentastic | Commander AI is lighter/focused; Agentastic is terminal-first full IDE |
| Acepe | Commander AI has Git integration; Acepe focuses on ACP protocol |
When to Choose Commander AI Over Alternatives
- Choose Commander AI when: You want the most polished native Mac experience for agent workflows
- Choose Agentastic when: You need full terminal access and worktree-based development
- Choose Commander (Autohand) when: You want open source and Windows support
Ideal Customer Profile
Best fit:
- Mac developers who value native app quality and polish
- Users who want agent power without replacing their editor
- Developers using multiple agent CLIs who want a unified experience
- Privacy-conscious users who want local-only operation
Poor fit:
- Windows or Linux developers
- Users wanting full IDE replacement
- Developers preferring terminal-based workflows
- Teams needing extensive customization
Viability Assessment
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Financial Health | Unknown (free model) |
| Market Position | Strong (Mac-native niche) |
| Innovation Pace | Steady |
| Community/Ecosystem | Growing |
| Long-term Outlook | Positive |
The free model and focus on polish suggest either passion project or planned monetization. The quality indicates serious development investment.
Bottom Line
Commander AI is the most polished native Mac option in the coding agent app space. By focusing specifically on the prompt→diff→commit workflow rather than trying to be a full IDE, it delivers a refined experience that complements existing development setups. The completely free pricing makes it a no-brainer to try.
Recommended for: Mac developers who want native quality, those who prefer agent power alongside their existing editor, and users who value privacy and performance
Not recommended for: Windows/Linux developers, users wanting full IDE features, or teams needing extensive customization
Outlook: Strong product-market fit for Mac developers; sustainability of free model is the main question
Research by Ry Walker Research • methodology