OpenAI has launched a new feature for the ChatGPT Mac Desktop App allowing the AI to read, write, search, and send Apple Messages, including iMessage, SMS, and RCS (Rich Communication Services).
The integration has, however, renewed concerns about personal the AI firm’s privacy stance, sparking security debates regarding access to sensitive financial or medical conversations.
informing users that the application will access message history stored on their Mac.
Users are also required to adjust privacy settings in Mac System Settings, including enabling Full Disk Access. ChatGPT additionally needs permission to access contacts and automation tools.
The permissions are similar to those required by other AIpowered automation tools that interact with applications on a computer.
OpenAI has increasingly expanded ChatGPT’s ability to work with information stored on users’ devices.The company recently introduced support for analysing data from Apple’s Health app on iPhones and iPads, although Apple’s operating systems require users to specifically approve the sharing of such information with ChatGPT.
The latest integration also puts ChatGPT closer to territory Apple is developing for its own AI-powered Siri.
Apple’s upcoming Siri capabilities are expected to allow the assistant to search through messages and other information stored on users’ devices.
Access to this type of personal data is considered an important advantage for Apple’s AI assistant over third-party chatbots.
ChatGPT already has integrations with several Mac applications, including Xcode, Notes and Terminal. However, access to Messages is more sensitive because of the private nature of users’ communications.
to replicate or extend iMessage functionality.
The feature, which is strictly opt-in and requires explicit macOS permissions, can also search through conversations and provide users with summaries and other information from their message history.
The integration could put pressure on Apple, which has built much of its brand around protecting user privacy and keeping personal data secure.
The ability of an OpenAI tool to access information stored in Apple’s Messages app could raise questions about whether users’ private communications may be exposed to external AI systems.
OpenAI said the feature requires users to provide consent before ChatGPT can interact with their messages. The company also said the integration does not create an index of all a user’s messages.
The tool operates locally on a Mac and relies on existing macOS features, including AppleScript and Accessibility tools, to interact with the Messages application.
Users must also approve several permissions before the integration can function.
