Apple is restricting full disk access on Macs due to concerns about the risks associated with AI agents.
On October 2, 2026, local time, Apple announced that it would introduce new restrictions on full disk access in macOS to address the risks posed by AI agents.
Updates to Full Disk Access in macOS - Latest News - Apple Developer
Apple says it's tightening macOS 'Full Disk Access' controls due to new risks from AI agents | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/02/apple-says-its-tightening-macos-full-disk-access-controls-due-to-new-risks-from-ai-agents/
Apple will limit Mac disk access as AI agents 'substantially' increase risk | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/tech/1004295/apple-limit-mac-disk-access-ai-agents
Apple to tighten Mac Full Disk Access over AI privacy risks
https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/10/02/apple-moves-to-protect-private-mac-data-from-overreaching-ai-apps
Apple provides powerful APIs that enable developers to incorporate superior features into apps for Apple products. These APIs are backed by a set of controls designed to protect users' private data. However, full disk access reportedly bypasses these controls to allow backup apps to function correctly on Macs. Apple also points out that some developers are using full disk access in ways that could endanger users, such as exposing all kinds of system information, including files, emails, messages, and browsing history, without the user's full awareness or understanding. In the case of communication apps, this could potentially infringe on the privacy of the people the user is communicating with.
Apple announced that it will introduce additional controls to ensure that even users who genuinely want to grant such special access permissions to apps can only do so through very clear and explicit actions. Apple explained this by saying, 'Addressing this issue is extremely important. As AI agents become more capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access increase significantly. We are committed to ensuring that users clearly understand the risks and can make informed decisions about their data and privacy before granting full disk access permissions.'
Technology media outlet The Verge points out that Apple's full disk access restriction on Macs comes just weeks after reports emerged that Muse, Meta's AI agent, was accessing messages it was not authorized to read.
Meta's AI agent 'Muse' is reportedly reading messages it has not authorized - GIGAZINE
According to this report, Muse was somehow able to access the contents of messages on iPhones and Macs, even though it had not explicitly granted permission to do so. On the other hand, David Singleton of Meta Superintelligence Labs commented that Muse could only read the contents of messages on a Mac if 'macOS system-level 'full disk access' was granted and the Message Connector was enabled.'
The Verge suggests that this incident may have prompted Apple to take measures to address how developers are using broad access permissions.
Apple has not yet revealed when it will provide new control features regarding full disk access.
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