ChatGPT adds Apple Messages integration with send and search capabilities

Aug 20, 2026

On August 20, 2026, OpenAI launched an Apple Messages plugin for ChatGPT on Mac, allowing users to read, search, draft, and send text messages directly through the chatbot. While the integration offers professional utility via Codex and ChatGPT Work, it has sparked privacy concerns regarding OpenAI's access to personal conversations. OpenAI states that the plugin runs locally and does not index messages, but critics note the technical details remain unclear, and OpenAI warns against enabling persistent automated sending.

ChatGPT Apple Messages plugin launch

▪The ChatGPT Apple Messages plugin is compatible with Codex and ChatGPT Work, enabling users to utilize the integration for professional purposes
▪OpenAI launched an Apple Messages plugin for ChatGPT on Mac on August 20, 2026, allowing users to connect their Messages inbox with the chatbot

Message search capabilities

▪Users can utilize the ChatGPT Apple Messages plugin to sort, analyze, or edit their Apple Messages conversations directly from the ChatGPT interface
▪The ChatGPT Apple Messages plugin allows Mac users to search through their message history, catch up on conversations, and get summaries of chats

Automated message sending

▪The ChatGPT Apple Messages plugin enables the chatbot to draft, suggest follow-up responses, and send text messages on behalf of the user
▪The ChatGPT Apple Messages plugin allows users to command the chatbot to delete messages from their Apple Messages app
▪OpenAI discouraged users from enabling persistent approval for the Apple Messages plugin, warning that doing so removes the user's final chance to review messages before sending

Privacy concerns

▪Bloomberg reported that ChatGPT's ability to control Apple's iMessage service has the potential to raise privacy concerns specifically for Apple Inc
▪The integration of ChatGPT with Apple Messages has raised privacy concerns regarding the sharing of personal digital conversations and inbox access with OpenAI

Local processing claims

▪TechCrunch reported that the specific technical details of OpenAI's local processing claims and what they mean for user data are not immediately clear
▪OpenAI stated that the Apple Messages plugin runs locally on the user's machine and does not create an index of all of the user's messages