ChatGPT can read, send iMessages on Mac with user permission

The integration requires users to opt in through multiple menus in both the ChatGPT app and Apple’s operating system.OpenAI’s ChatGPT can now read, send and search messages through Apple’s Messages app on Mac, a new integration that has raised privacy concerns because of the permissions required to enable the feature, reported Bloomberg.In response to questions about the new feature, OpenAI said it requires user consent and does not create an index of all messages.

The integration runs locally on the Mac and uses existing operating system tools, including AppleScript and Accessibility, to interact with the Messages app, OpenAI said.The integration requires users to opt in through multiple menus in both the ChatGPT app and Apple’s operating system.

When setting up the feature, ChatGPT displays a permissions screen informing users that the app will access the computer’s on-device message history.Users must also change privacy-related settings in the Mac’s System Settings.

This includes enabling Full Disk Access and giving ChatGPT permission to access contact names and automation tools.The permissions are similar to those required for AI-based automation software such as Codex Computer Use.OpenAI recently added support for analysing information from a user’s iPhone and iPad Health app.

Apple’s iOS and iPadOS, however, require users to specifically approve sharing their data with ChatGPT.ChatGPT already works with other Mac applications, including Xcode, Notes and Terminal.

However, the Messages integration could be more sensitive given the private nature of users’ conversations.The feature also comes as Apple prepares its next-generation Siri AI, which is designed to search users’ messages and other on-device content.

Access to such information is viewed as a potential advantage for Siri over third-party chatbots.Apple has previously moved to block similar integrations.

In one recent example, the company shut down Beeper Mini, an app that enabled iMessage on Android devices.