Overview
- Apple announced Friday on its developer website that it will add new controls so users must take a very explicit step before an app can receive Full Disk Access on macOS.
- Full Disk Access is a broad permission that lets an app read most files on a Mac, including email, Messages data and browser history, and it was originally intended for backup and system utilities.
- The move follows reports that Meta’s Muse appeared to access a journalist’s local Messages database even though the user said Full Disk Access was off, a claim that Meta disputes by saying Messages access is strictly opt‑in and requires both Full Disk Access and Muse’s Messages connector.
- Apple gave no technical details or rollout date for the new controls, leaving developers and power users uncertain about how legitimate backup and management tools will be affected.
- The change signals tighter platform gating for always‑on AI agents and could force developers to change how agents request data, with possible effects on user prompts, app design and the privacy of people who communicate with Mac users.