On August 20, OpenAI added an Apple Messages (iMessage, SMS, RCS) integration plugin to the ChatGPT desktop app for Mac. It lets ChatGPT search and summarize conversations and write and send replies on the user's behalf.
With this update, ChatGPT can access not only iMessage but also SMS and RCS messages, analyze conversations, pull out the important parts, and draft replies. MacRumors and 9to5Mac reported that the feature lets ChatGPT refer straight to message context without you copying and pasting a separate conversation window.
ChatGPT reads all my iMessages?
ChatGPT handles searching, summarizing, and drafting messages. Bloomberg pointed out that because this access spans the user's entire message history, it could conflict with Apple's privacy principles. It isn't a matter of picking a few messages to reference. The structure lets ChatGPT scan the whole conversation history whenever it needs to.
Approval before sending, but the permissions go further
By default, ChatGPT must have the user confirm and approve the message to be sent and the recipient before anything actually goes out. But to turn this feature on, you have to allow Full Disk Access in system settings, plus access to contact names and automation tools. Separate from the approval step at sending, the access the app asks for is already broad. If your messages contain sensitive information, it's safer to check this permission scope before turning the feature on.
Intel Macs excluded, and only in Codex and Work
This feature works only inside Codex and ChatGPT Work, not in all ChatGPT conversations. It's also supported only on Apple Silicon (arm64) builds, and Intel Macs are excluded. According to TechCrunch, it's available on all paid plans, but it shows that this is a feature meant to plug into real work workflows, not a convenience feature for personal chats. If your team wants to attach iMessage automation to internal work, the first step is to set up a process in which every team member reviews the permission approval screen themselves.