TLDR
- OpenAI launched a ChatGPT plug-in for Mac that can read, draft, and send iMessages on a user’s behalf
- The feature requires multiple opt-in steps and runs locally using macOS tools like AppleScript
- By default, ChatGPT asks for approval before each message send, though users can disable this
- The launch comes weeks after Apple sued OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft
- Apple has not commented, leaving open whether it will block the integration as it did with Beeper Mini
OpenAI has added a new feature to its ChatGPT desktop app for Mac that lets the AI read, draft, and send messages through Apple’s Messages app.
Everyday conversations just got easier with the new Apple Messages plugin.
Search messages, catch up on conversations, draft and send replies—all with ChatGPT on your Mac.
Now available in ChatGPT Work and Codex on desktop. pic.twitter.com/nicfZMuxZc
— ChatGPT (@ChatGPT) August 20, 2026
The integration covers iMessage, SMS, and RCS. Users can ask ChatGPT to search their message history, summarize threads, and compose replies.
The feature is separate from Apple’s own built-in ChatGPT extension for Apple Intelligence. It requires users to manually opt in through both the ChatGPT app and macOS system settings.
To activate it, users must grant Full Disk Access and approve contacts and automation permissions. OpenAI says the plug-in runs locally on the Mac and does not create a full index of message history.
By default, ChatGPT requests approval before sending any message. Users can turn on a “persistent approval” mode to skip that step, but OpenAI says it discourages this setting.
OpenAI says it uses existing macOS tools, including AppleScript and Accessibility, to interact with the Messages app. These are documented Apple tools, not exploits.
Launch Comes During Active Apple Lawsuit
The timing of the release is worth noting. Apple sued OpenAI just weeks ago, alleging theft of trade secrets and confidential information about upcoming products.
The plug-in also arrives ahead of Apple’s expected refresh of Siri, which is set to gain the ability to search on-device content including messages.
Apple previously shut down Beeper Mini within days after it brought iMessage to Android devices. Whether Apple takes similar action here remains unclear.
Apple did not respond to requests for comment on the new ChatGPT feature.
What This Means for Users
OpenAI recently added support for reading Apple Health app data on iPhone and iPad, another area involving sensitive personal information.
The iMessage integration follows a similar pattern of expanding ChatGPT’s access to personal data stored on Apple devices.
Privacy advocates have raised questions about third-party AI tools accessing sensitive communication data, even with consent-based safeguards in place.
OpenAI says the multiple consent steps are designed to address those concerns.
The feature is available in the ChatGPT desktop app for Mac, including ChatGPT Work and Codex.
Apple faces a choice: block the plug-in and risk looking anti-competitive, or allow it and accept a third-party AI reading messages on its platform.
No timeline has been given for any Apple response or policy change.
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