OpenAI · 2026-08-20 · major
Apple Messages plugin — ChatGPT can read and send texts on a Mac
OpenAI's Apple Messages plugin lets ChatGPT read and search iMessage, SMS and RCS chats on a Mac and send replies through the Messages app. It runs in Codex and ChatGPT Work on the macOS desktop app, on all plans.
ChatGPT can now open your Mac's Messages app, search old threads and send a reply you approve.
Quick facts
| Maker | OpenAI |
|---|---|
| Where it runs | ChatGPT desktop app for macOS |
| Hardware | Apple silicon (arm64) Macs only |
| Surfaces | Codex and ChatGPT Work |
| Plans | All plans |
| Sending | Per-message approval by default |
| Not supported | Web, mobile, Codex CLI, IDE extension |
What is it?
The Apple Messages plugin connects ChatGPT to the Messages app on a Mac, so it can read and search iMessage, SMS and RCS threads and send messages on your behalf. OpenAI shipped it on August 20, 2026 for the macOS desktop app. It arrives as an installable plugin rather than a change to ChatGPT itself.
How does it work?
Installation happens in the Plugins panel; once macOS permissions are granted, a fresh Codex or ChatGPT Work session can call the plugin to find, summarize, draft or send messages. Sending is gated by approval — ChatGPT shows the message and the recipients, and you choose 'Allow once' or 'Always allow sending to this chat'. A standing permission can be revoked under Settings then Computer use.
Why does it matter?
Texting has been one of the last places an assistant could not reach without handing over a phone, and OpenAI closes that gap on the desktop instead of the phone. The trade is obvious: a tool that can read every chat and send on your behalf is a lot of trust, which is why per-message approval stays on by default. OpenAI flags one known issue — tasks set to Full access may not show the confirmation prompt.
Who is it for?
Mac users of ChatGPT and Codex
Frequently asked questions
- Which Macs support the ChatGPT Apple Messages plugin?
- The Apple Messages plugin runs only on Apple silicon (arm64) Macs with the ChatGPT desktop app for macOS, so Intel machines are left out of this release. OpenAI also lists it as unavailable on ChatGPT for web, on mobile, in the Codex CLI and in the IDE extension, which makes a Mac desktop install the only route today.
- Do I need a paid ChatGPT plan for the Apple Messages plugin?
- The Apple Messages plugin is available on all plans in the ChatGPT desktop app for macOS, so no paid upgrade is required. The real limit is the surface, not the subscription tier: the plugin works inside Codex and ChatGPT Work sessions, and OpenAI says it does not work in ordinary ChatGPT chats.
- Can ChatGPT send a text without asking me first?
- ChatGPT asks for approval before every send by default, showing both the message body and the recipients. You can pick 'Allow once' or 'Always allow sending to this chat', and a standing permission can be undone from Settings then Computer use. OpenAI documents one known issue: tasks running with Full access may skip the confirmation prompt.
- What kinds of messages can the Apple Messages plugin reach?
- The Apple Messages plugin reads and searches iMessage, SMS and RCS conversations in the Messages app on your Mac, and sends new messages through that same app. OpenAI is explicit that the plugin does not let you talk to ChatGPT remotely by texting it — the direction is one way, from a ChatGPT or Codex session out to Messages.
Try it
ChatGPT desktop for macOS → Plugins → Apple Messages