OpenAI has introduced a feature that taps directly into Apple\u2019s iMessage app via ChatGPT, which is probably not going to go down well with the gang in Cupertino.<\/p>\n
Bloomberg reported<\/a> that the Thursday update allows ChatGPT users (currently only Work and Codex users on Apple Silicon Macs) to \u201ctake actions such as reading, writing and sending text messages,\u201d 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<\/a> over claims of corporate espionage.<\/p>\n A preview of the feature on X shows that it effectively acts as a bridge between the Mac OSX apps for ChatGPT and iMessage.<\/p>\n Everyday conversations just got easier with the new Apple Messages plugin.<\/p>\n Search messages, catch up on conversations, draft and send replies\u2014all with ChatGPT on your Mac.<\/p>\n Now available in ChatGPT Work and Codex on desktop. pic.twitter.com\/nicfZMuxZc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 ChatGPT (@ChatGPT) August 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Bloomberg noted that users must click through \u201cseveral opt-in menus in both the ChatGPT app and Apple\u2019s own operating system\u201d to activate the feature, including changing privacy-related preferences in Mac\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Apple didn\u2019t immediately respond to Bloomberg\u2019s request for comment.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Linking ChatGPT to iMessage does carry the risk of prompt injection, or some kind of third-party compromise of iMessage security. Yet Apple\u2019s efforts to shut down third-party apps that try to tap into or bridge iMessage\u2019s stack have drawn speculation that the motive is more about killing competition<\/a>. When Beeper reverse engineered<\/a> parts of iMessage to create Beeper Mini, an Android-compatible iMessage app, Apple promptly altered its stack to prevent the app from working.<\/p>\n As Bloomberg noted, Apple\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAt every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple\u2019s trade secrets and confidential information,\u201d read Apple\u2019s complaint<\/a>.<\/p>\n