OpenAI has introduced a new ChatGPT plugin for macOS that allows the AI assistant to interact directly with Apple’s Messages application, expanding its capabilities beyond traditional chatbot functions. The feature enables ChatGPT to read, search, summarize, compose and send messages through the Messages app after receiving user permission. The plugin is available across ChatGPT desktop plans on macOS, while additional functionality for reading and searching iMessage, SMS and RCS conversations is supported in Codex and ChatGPT Work. According to OpenAI, the tool operates locally on the Mac and does not create an index of user messages, but it requires users to grant Full Disk Access along with permissions for contact names and automation features. The new capability follows the introduction of ChatGPT’s Computer History feature, which monitors activity on a user’s Mac to provide more contextual assistance.
OpenAI said the plugin is intended to help users retrieve information from previous conversations, summarize message threads and draft or send replies directly through Apple’s Messages application. Suggested use cases include finding birthdays mentioned in chats, checking a calendar before replying to contacts about meeting availability and generating follow up messages based on previous conversations. The company noted that users must provide consent before the plugin can access Messages and recommends approving access only when needed instead of enabling persistent permissions. OpenAI also cautions users against turning on continuous approval because doing so removes the opportunity to review outgoing messages before ChatGPT sends them. While the company states that message processing takes place locally on the Mac, questions remain over how analysis data is handled after conversations have been processed.
The expanded system access has prompted discussion within the technology community over privacy, transparency and security. Critics argue that granting an AI application Full Disk Access and permission to analyze personal messages increases the amount of sensitive information available to software, while supporters believe the feature provides greater convenience for users managing large volumes of conversations. Some privacy advocates have questioned whether users receive sufficient information to make fully informed decisions before granting permissions. Security researchers have also pointed out that applications with deeper operating system access could become attractive targets for cybercriminals if vulnerabilities are discovered. These discussions come as Apple continues to emphasize privacy protections while expanding artificial intelligence features across its ecosystem.
The latest development may also influence the broader relationship between Apple and OpenAI, particularly as European regulations under the Digital Markets Act require Apple to provide third party developers with access to certain system level capabilities available to its own artificial intelligence services. Industry observers believe similar functionality could eventually reach iPhone and iPad devices, potentially increasing debate over privacy protections and platform security. Apple has previously indicated that it is working to balance regulatory requirements with user privacy, while OpenAI continues to expand the integration of ChatGPT into desktop workflows. The introduction of the Messages plugin highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in personal computing while also raising important questions about transparency, user consent and the balance between convenience and data protection.
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