OpenAI has introduced a new plugin that allows ChatGPT users on Mac to read and respond to Apple iMessages directly through the chatbot. Currently limited to those using ChatGPT Work and Codex, the tool enables users to search through their conversation histories and draft replies without ever leaving the AI interface. In a demonstration provided by OpenAI, a user asks the bot to identify which messages were missed from the previous day and subsequently uses the AI to compose and send responses.
While the convenience is apparent, the rollout comes with significant privacy and security considerations. This is an opt-in feature that requires users to navigate a series of rigorous permission hurdles during setup. To make the integration work, owners must grant ChatGPT access to their on-device message history, provide full disk access within the system settings, and share contact lists along with automation tools. Because of these extensive requirements, it is virtually impossible for someone to enable this functionality by mistake.
The partnership remains mysterious given the historically protective nature of Apple regarding its messaging ecosystem. The tech giant has famously blocked third party attempts to integrate with iMessage in the past, most notably fighting against apps like Beeper Mini until they ceased operations. Furthermore, current relations between the two companies appear strained; Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in July alleging trade secret theft and claiming that former employees were poached specifically to leak confidential information. Whether this plugin was developed in collaboration with Apple or via an independent workaround remains unclear.