Apple tightens full disk access permissions on macOS
What happened
On 3 October 2026, TechCrunch reported that Apple announced it will introduce additional controls for the Full Disk Access setting on macOS, citing the risks that AI agents have raised at this permission level; the setting is normally used to make backups work, but it allows apps to access files, mail, messages and browsing history. Later the same day, The Verge reported that Apple will add new restrictions to the permission, requiring a "very explicit user action" for an app to obtain it, because the way some developers use full disk access may expose users' files, mail, messages and browsing history. So far the reports cover only Apple's announcement, its reasoning and the direction of requiring explicit user action, with no mention of specific control details, timing or scope of impact.
Written by AI from the reports · updated 13 d ago
Timeline
Follow the reports to see the event from each side.
- The Verge · AIApple will limit Mac disk access as AI agents ‘substantially’ increase risk
Apple will add new limits for "full disk access" on Mac in response to risks posed by AI agents, as reported earlier by TechCrunch.
- TechCrunch · AIApple says it’s tightening macOS ‘Full Disk Access’ controls due to new risks from AI agents
Apple says it will add new controls around macOS’s Full Disk Access permission, warning that increasingly capable AI agents make broad access to users’ files, messages, mail, and browsing history riskier.