ChatGPT Gains Apple Messages Plug-In to Search, Edit and Send Texts
OpenAI's Apple Messages plug-in lets ChatGPT search, edit, delete, draft and send texts, while local processing and approval controls raise privacy questions.
Summary
OpenAI launched an Apple Messages plug-in for ChatGPT on August 20, 2026, letting users connect their Messages inbox and ask ChatGPT to sort, analyze, edit, search, delete, draft or send messages. It also works with Codex and ChatGPT Work for professional use. In an advertisement, ChatGPT suggested follow-up texts to contacts based on messages received the previous day.
OpenAI told Bloomberg that processing occurs locally on the user's machine and the plug-in does not build a complete message index, but how those protections work remains unclear. TechCrunch asked OpenAI for more detail. For sending, OpenAI urges users to supervise ChatGPT and avoid persistent approval because it removes their last review before a message is sent in their name.
Positives
- The Apple Messages plug-in lets ChatGPT sort, analyze, edit, search and delete messages from a connected inbox.
- ChatGPT can draft and send messages on a user's behalf.
- Codex and ChatGPT Work support extends the plug-in from personal messaging to professional uses.
- OpenAI says the plug-in runs locally and does not create an index of all the user's messages.
Risks & concerns
- Connecting a Messages inbox to ChatGPT raises privacy questions about access to personal conversations.
- OpenAI has not clearly explained what local operation and the absence of a complete message index mean in practice.
- Persistent approval removes the user's final opportunity to review a message before ChatGPT sends it in their name.
- Automated deletion and sending could have direct consequences if users fail to monitor ChatGPT's actions.