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Apple’s move to restrict Full Disk Access in macOS is a big shift in Cupertino’s approach to privacy and security, driven by new autonomous desktop AI agents.
Full Disk Access was initially designed to help backup apps function. Without it, backup apps wouldn’t be able to access all your files to create backup copies. When you install such an app, you’re typically asked to toggle on FDA in System Settings, which gives the software the keys to the whole castle.
But FDA has turned out to be overly broad. According to Apple’s developer website, apps are using it to sidestep macOS’ sandboxing protections, and thus “exposing everything on their systems — including files, mail, messages, and even browsing history — without users’ full knowledge and understanding.”
Apple doesn’t mention any names, but agentic AI apps like Meta's Muse or OpenAI's ChatGPT are using the single FDA toggle setting to read and act across a broad range of local files, turning them into an ongoing, high-risk data pipeline.
Apple already warned it’s going to be making changes to FDA. It’s starting by closing a tricky loophole in the latest macOS 27.3 beta.
Also in today’s newsletter:
Oh fun: Metered AI usage is coming to Apple’s apps, starting with Logic Pro. Several other apps are sure to follow.
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Given the almost-rapturous reception to the gorgeous OLED screen in the new iPad mini, the iPad Air getting this better screen technology is going to be a big hit. It’s not far away.
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The Apple TV movie CODA won Apple TV’s first Oscar, and now Apple is bringing American and British Sign Language interpretation to select Apple Originals movies and shows.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team
What’s new in iOS 27.3 beta: Cult of Mac podcast #40
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Death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.
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