ChatGPT Can Now Read and Send iMessages on Mac, Raising Privacy Questions

ChatGPT can now send texts for you with new Apple Messages plugin

If you've ever wanted to share all of your digital conversations with OpenAI, we have good news for you: the AI lab has just launched an Apple Messages plugin for ChatGPT, allowing interested users to connect their Messages inbox with the chatbot. The benefits of doing this, OpenAI argues, are numerous. Users can use the plugin to sort, analyze, or edit their messages directly from ChatGPT. The plugin also works with Codex and ChatGPT Work, so users can use it professionally, not just personally. A brief commercial advertising the new plugin shows a user asking the chatbot to suggest follow-up messages to their contacts based on the messages received the previous day. You can also ask ChatGPT to delete messages for you, draft and send messages on your behalf, or search for information buried deep in your message history. As with most things related to AI, this new feature raises some privacy questions. OpenAI told Bloomberg that the plugin runs locally on a user's machine and that it "doesn't create an index of all someone's messages." Still, the specifics of what that means aren't immediately clear. TechCrunch has reached out to OpenAI for more information. When it comes to message sending, OpenAI encourages users to keep an eye on what ChatGPT is doing and discourages turning on persistent approval, warning that doing so "removes your final chance to review a message before ChatGPT sends it as you," the company writes.

ChatGPT's Mac App Can Now Control iMessage, Which Apple Probably Won't Like

OpenAI has introduced a feature that taps directly into Apple's iMessage app via ChatGPT, which is probably not going to go down well with the gang in Cupertino. Bloomberg reported that the Thursday update allows ChatGPT users (currently only Work and Codex users on Apple Silicon Macs) to "take actions such as reading, writing and sending text messages," as well as search messages for summaries and other info. Note that Apple not only tends tbe sensitive about user privacy, but is actually suing OpenAI over claims of corporate espionage. A preview of the feature on X shows that it effectively acts as a bridge between the Mac OSX apps for ChatGPT and iMessage. https://x.com/ChatGPT/status/2090499359641329950 Bloomberg noted that users must click through "several opt-in menus in both the ChatGPT app and Apple's own operating system" to activate the feature, including changing privacy-related preferences in Mac's System Settins and giving the ChatGPT app contact and automation permissions. OpenAI told Bloomberg the feature runs locally on the Mac, uses existing system tools, and does not create an index of all messages. Apple didn't immediately respond to Bloomberg's request for comment. This may all seem a bit curious to Windows or Linux users, who are used to seeing desktop apps implement features like this using standard APIs with nary a complaint from the developer of the operating system. Linking ChatGPT to iMessage does carry the risk of prompt injection, or some kind of third-party compromise of iMessage security. Yet Apple's efforts to shut down third-party apps that try to tap into or bridge iMessage's stack have drawn speculation that the motive is more about killing competition. When Beeper reverse engineered parts of iMessage to create Beeper Mini, an Android-compatible iMessage app, Apple promptly altered its stack to prevent the app from working. As Bloomberg noted, Apple's upcoming Siri AI is a direct competitor, Apple has a business incentive to keep OpenAI off its turf, and this is all in the context of that aforementioned lawsuit. "At every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple's trade secrets and confidential information," read Apple's complaint.

OpenAI ChatGPT can now read and send iMessages on Mac, may raise concerns for Apple: Here is why

While the feature is likely to make messaging easier, it may also raise concerns for Apple OpenAI has introduced a new feature that allows ChatGPT to work with Apple's Messages app on Mac. The feature lets users ask ChatGPT to read, write and send messages through the Messages app. It can also search through conversations and provide summaries or other information from chats. While the feature is likely to make messaging easier, it may also raise concerns for Apple, according to Bloomberg. Apple has long promoted privacy as a key part of its products and services. The new integration gives ChatGPT access to Apple customer data, which could spark questions. In response to questions about the new feature, OpenAI revealed to Bloomberg that the plug-in works locally on the computer and uses existing operating system tools, including AppleScript and Accessibility, to interact with the Messages app. Also read: Elon Musk says Starlink can improve connectivity in rural India, reach underserved users Users have to give permission before ChatGPT can access their messages. During the setup process, ChatGPT shows a permission screen informing users that the app will access message history stored on the Mac. Users also have to change some settings in Mac System Settings. These include enabling Full Disk Access and allowing ChatGPT to access contacts and automation features. Also read: Apple lays off 60 VR employees as focus shifts to Siri AI and smart glasses: Report Why it may raise concerns for Apple According to the report, the integration may raise concerns because Apple has built much of its reputation around protecting user privacy. Giving a third-party AI service access to Messages could attract additional attention. The move also comes at a difficult time for the two companies. Apple recently sued OpenAI, accusing the AI company of stealing information about upcoming products. The new feature could also put ChatGPT closer to an area Apple is developing for its own AI assistant. The upcoming AI-powered Siri is expected to search through messages and other information stored on Apple devices. Apple has previously taken action against services that interact with iMessage in similar ways. For example, it shut down Beeper Mini, an app that allowed Android users to access iMessage. ChatGPT already supports some other Mac apps, including Xcode, Notes and Terminal. However, access to Messages is more sensitive because it can involve personal conversations and contact information.