AI Desktop 98 lets you chat with Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini through a Windows 98-inspired interface

By  Simon Batt Published Apr 4, 2026, 9:35 PM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary AI Desktop 98 runs modern LLMs inside a Windows 98-style desktop for a playful, nostalgic AI experience. Retro touches: Recycle Bin for chats, dial-up style browser loading, plus Minesweeper. Works with Claude, OpenAI, Gemini, Apple Intelligence, Groq, and local models; currently iOS only. For me, one of the most interesting ways of exploring retro tech is imagining if the sequence of inventions was different than what we experienced in real life. For instance, what if we managed to figure out how to get LLMs like Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini up and running before we went through the Y2K bug scare? If you'd like a peek into what this alternate reality may look like, then AI Desktop 98 may be for you. It's an app that lets you run your AI assist...