Apple plans to introduce stricter permission mechanisms in macOS to limit how third-party applications obtain Full Disk Access. The move responds directly to the growth of autonomous AI agents that require deep access to a user's system to operate, according to a developer forum post published by the company.
Addressing Full Disk Access Risks
Full Disk Access has historically been used for specialized software like backup tools that require complete visibility over a Mac's file system to operate. According to Apple, developers are increasingly requesting these broad privileges for applications that handle personal communications, web browsing history, and private files. The company warned that granting entire disk exposure to automated programs compromises not only the local user's data, but also the privacy of individuals with whom they communicate.
Upcoming System Safeguards
To counter these security risks, Apple announced it will implement additional system controls designed to prevent users from inadvertently granting complete permissions. The upcoming changes will require explicit user actions before an application can be granted Full Disk Access. While Apple did not provide a complete schedule for the implementation, it stated that the new safeguards are being deployed as AI agents become more capable and autonomous.
Heightened Threats from Autonomous Software
The permission changes address growing concerns around prompt injection and automated threats, where malicious instructions hidden in websites or messages can hijack an AI agent's elevated system privileges. While early agent setups required manual technical configuration, newer consumer tools make running autonomous bots straightforward for general users, increasing the likelihood of unintentional data exposure.
AI-generated editorial illustration; not a documentary photograph.
Source: Apple Wants to Make It Harder to Run Agentic AI on Your Mac
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