diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index eecf3e5..c574986 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -77,7 +77,12 @@ jobs:
           mkdir -p dist/artifacts
           ZIP="dist/artifacts/AIUsageBar-${GITHUB_REF_NAME}.zip"
           ditto -c -k --keepParent dist/AIUsageBar.app "$ZIP"
-          hdiutil create -volname "AI Usage Bar" -srcfolder dist/AIUsageBar.app \
+          # Stage the .app beside an /Applications symlink so the mounted DMG shows
+          # the familiar drag-to-Applications install window.
+          STAGE="$RUNNER_TEMP/dmg"; rm -rf "$STAGE"; mkdir -p "$STAGE"
+          cp -R dist/AIUsageBar.app "$STAGE/"
+          ln -s /Applications "$STAGE/Applications"
+          hdiutil create -volname "AI Usage Bar" -srcfolder "$STAGE" \
             -ov -format UDZO "dist/artifacts/AIUsageBar-${GITHUB_REF_NAME}.dmg"
           echo "SHA256=$(shasum -a 256 "$ZIP" | cut -d' ' -f1)" >> "$GITHUB_ENV"
 
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 2be3a03..cd5b6f9 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -11,6 +11,10 @@ as you cut a tag.
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+### Changed
+- The release `.dmg` now includes an `/Applications` symlink, so mounting it shows the
+  standard drag-to-Applications install window instead of a bare `.app`.
+
 ## [0.1.1] - 2026-07-13
 
 ### Fixed