ChatGPT's new Apple Messages plug-in for Mac raises privacy concerns

OpenAI has launched a ChatGPT plugin for Mac that reads, writes, and sends Apple Messages texts, operating locally with explicit user consent. The feature arrives amid an Apple lawsuit and privacy scrutiny over message data access. The integration allows ChatGPT to search conversations and generate summaries, requiring multiple opt-in menus and Mac System Settings adjustments like Full Disk Access. OpenAI states it runs locally via AppleScript and Accessibility tools, without indexing full message history. Apple has historically protected user messages, and this third-party AI access may draw regulatory attention. OpenAI recently added similar Health app data analysis, which includes a built-in iOS permission step.