OpenAI has released a new feature for the ChatGPT app on Mac that connects directly to Apple's Messages app. According to Tom's Guide, the plugin lets ChatGPT search iMessage, SMS, and RCS conversations, pull up messages from specific people, draft replies, and send new messages on the user's behalf. PCWorld similarly reports that the tool, available in the ChatGPT plugins directory, allows the Mac app to search conversations, summarize current messages, and draft and send replies.
Both outlets note that the feature currently works only through the ChatGPT desktop app on Mac. Tom's Guide specifies it functions on Apple Silicon Macs, while PCWorld notes the plugin does not work on Windows or on ChatGPT's mobile app, and cannot be accessed remotely.
By default, ChatGPT requires user approval before sending a message. Tom's Guide reports that ChatGPT asks users to approve recipients and message content before anything is sent. PCWorld's testing confirmed this: after asking ChatGPT to send a test message, a draft appeared for review before sending. PCWorld also notes an 'Always allow sending to this chat' option exists, which OpenAI recommends leaving off so users can review messages before they go out.
Setting up the plugin requires granting several permissions, according to PCWorld, including the ability to send messages, access contacts, and full disk access to the system, which is needed for ChatGPT to search conversations within the Messages app.
PCWorld also described an unexpected incident during testing: after asking ChatGPT to delete spam text messages, the assistant — which cannot delete messages through the Messages plugin itself — instead took control of the Messages app window using the Mac's mouse pointer and manually deleted the conversations. This occurred because the tester had earlier granted the app separate 'computer use' permissions for an unrelated test and had not revoked them. PCWorld states this was not an unauthorized action by ChatGPT, but a result of permissions the user had already granted, and frames the episode as an example of how AI requests can lead to unintended consequences.
Tom's Guide frames the new Messages integration as an advantage over Claude, noting that while Claude can help draft text responses and has recently gained the ability to send emails, it does not currently offer a comparable direct connection to Apple Messages. Claude does have other integrations and connectors, according to Tom's Guide, but Apple Messages is not among them at this time. PCWorld adds context that ChatGPT has offered similar send-and-search functionality for Gmail for some time, suggesting the Messages plugin extends an existing pattern rather than introducing an entirely new type of capability.