OpenAI's ChatGPT Mac plugin reads and sends iMessages

OpenAI has launched a plugin that lets ChatGPT on Mac read, search, summarize, and send Apple iMessages, a move that raises privacy concerns and could strain its relationship with Apple. The integration is currently available to ChatGPT Work and Codex users on Apple Silicon Macs, with broader availability across all plans in the desktop app Source: Engadget, The Next Web. Users must opt in through multiple permission prompts, including granting Full Disk Access in macOS System Settings Source: Engadget. OpenAI says the plugin runs locally and does not create an index of all messages Source: TechCrunch, Gizmodo.

Privacy and security

The plugin's ability to analyze message history—summarizing who you talk to and what about—has drawn scrutiny. The Next Web notes that this analysis may involve sending data to OpenAI's servers, but the company has not clarified which parts of conversations are processed remotely. Additionally, a known defect can disable the approval prompt for sending messages, a failure mode OpenAI has documented but not fixed Source: The Next Web. OpenAI discourages enabling persistent approval, warning it removes the final chance to review a message before it's sent Source: TechCrunch.

Apple tensions

The launch comes amid legal and competitive friction between the two companies. Apple is suing OpenAI for trade secret theft, and the plugin routes around Apple's Siri, which is a direct competitor Source: Engadget, Gizmodo. Apple has previously blocked third-party iMessage integrations, such as Beeper Mini, raising questions about how it will respond Source: Gizmodo. Apple has not commented on the plugin Source: Gizmodo.

What's next

Observers note that the plugin's access to iMessage data could expose group chat participants who did not consent to having their messages summarized Source: The Next Web. OpenAI has not published guidance for enterprise administrators on handling mixed personal and professional message archives Source: The Next Web.