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macOS 27.3 Could Change How You Grant AI Agents Full Disk Access, Here’s How
Apple has announced plans to tighten privacy controls in a future macOS update, addressing concerns about AI agents requesting Full Disk Access and potentially misusing user data. While the company initially described the changes in broad terms, new details suggest how the update may function in practice.
According to a report from code sifter pdfu, macOS 27.3 will eliminate a loophole currently used by developers to simplify the process of enabling Full Disk Access. In existing macOS versions, apps that request files requiring Full Disk Access trigger a system denial and log the app as an option in the Settings app for users to manually enable the permission. Developers often prompt users to open this section and toggle the switch.
Starting with macOS 27.3, apps that request files outside their permission scope will no longer be logged, and thus will not appear as options for quickly enabling Full Disk Access. This change aims to require “very explicit user action” to grant such permissions, as outlined in Apple’s blog post. However, developers may still use alternative methods, such as prompting users to drag an app icon to the Settings panel, even after this feature flag is enabled.
While the update may reduce accidental permissions, some argue it does not fully address the core issue. Developers seek Full Disk Access to access features like iMessage, and users may still need to enable the permission to share data with AI agents. pdfu also mentioned the potential introduction of “Private Folders,” which could allow scoped access to specific folders like the iMessage database. However, details on how this feature would work remain unclear.
FAQ
- What change will macOS 27.3 introduce regarding Full Disk Access?
Apps requesting files outside their permission scope will no longer be logged in the Settings app, making it harder for users to quickly enable Full Disk Access. - Can developers still find workarounds?
Yes, developers may still prompt users to drag an app icon to the Settings panel to enable the permission, even after the change. - What is the “Private Folders” feature mentioned in the report?
It is a potential feature that could allow users to grant scoped access to specific folders, such as the iMessage database, though details are not yet available.
Conclusion
Apple’s upcoming macOS 27.3 update represents a step toward stricter privacy controls, but its effectiveness in preventing misuse of Full Disk Access remains uncertain. While the change may reduce accidental permissions, developers’ continued demand for access to sensitive data like iMessage suggests users may still face trade-offs between functionality and privacy. The introduction of “Private Folders” could offer a more secure alternative, but its implementation is still under development.
Source
9to5Mac – macOS Changes for Full Disk Access, AI Agents, iMessage
Source: 9to5Mac