Updates to Full Disk Access in macOS
Apple will require very explicit user action before macOS apps receive Full Disk Access, citing AI agent risks.
Apple told developers it will add controls so macOS Full Disk Access can be granted only through very explicit user action. The permission largely bypasses ordinary privacy protections so backup apps can function, but Apple says some developers use it in ways that can expose files, mail, messages, and browsing history without users fully understanding the risk. Communication apps can also expose other people's data, and Apple said more capable autonomous AI agents will substantially increase that danger. No rollout date was given.
- Full Disk Access largely bypasses macOS privacy controls for backup apps.
- Misuse can expose files, mail, messages, and browsing history.
- Future grants will require very explicit user action.
- Apple says autonomous AI agents will substantially raise the risk.
Full article178 words · extracted from developer.apple.com · click to collapse
October 2, 2026
We give developers powerful APIs to build incredible capabilities into their apps for Apple products, backed by a set of controls designed to protect users’ private data. Full Disk Access largely sidesteps these controls in order to allow backup apps to function properly on the Mac. Some developers are using Full Disk Access in ways that could put users at risk, exposing everything on their systems—including files, mail, messages, and even browsing history—without users’ full knowledge and understanding. For communication apps, this can also compromise the privacy of the people users are communicating with.
Going forward, we will introduce additional controls to ensure that users who genuinely wish to grant an app this extraordinary level of access can only do so with very explicit user action. Addressing this is critical. As AI agents become increasingly capable and autonomous, the risks associated with this level of access will grow substantially. We are committed to ensuring users clearly understand these risks before granting such access, so they can make informed decisions about their own data and privacy.
Text extracted automatically; images, tables and formatting may be missing. Original: https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=p6zjojqw