Apple adjusts macOS privacy controls amid Meta AI agent dispute
Apple’s long-standing commitment to user privacy is facing a new challenge as the company adjusts how its Mac computers handle AI data requests. On October 2, 2026, Apple announced changes to macOS aimed at making it clearer when an AI agent requests full access to a Mac’s data. The update introduces additional controls to ensure users explicitly grant such access, addressing concerns about potential misuse. Apple highlighted that some developers have exploited the flexibility of Macs, where apps like cloud backup services can request access to all data on the machine, unlike iPhones and iPads, which have stricter sandboxing.
The move comes amid a public dispute involving Meta’s AI agent, Muse. Columnist Jason Aten claimed Muse accessed his private Messages history on his Mac despite having declined to grant the app Messages access during setup. Meta disputed this, stating that Muse’s access to Messages requires separate opt-in permissions for both Full Disk Access and the Messages connector. Andy Stone, a Meta spokesperson, emphasized that users can revoke access at any time.
Muse, launched on September 8, 2026, has quickly gained traction with over 2.5 million downloads in its first two weeks. Despite controversy, including Amazon pulling the app from its marketplace over unauthorized access concerns, Muse topped both the U.S. iOS free app chart and Google Play Store. The app’s rapid adoption has analysts reassessing the role of AI agents in routine digital tasks.
The dispute has implications for both Apple and Meta’s stock performance. Wamsi Mohan at Bank of America warned that Apple risks losing control over user interactions as AI agents take over more functions. Apple’s stock fell roughly 2% after the bank’s September 29 note, while Meta’s shares rose over 3%, with a nearly 30% gain from late August through September. Goldman Sachs maintained a Buy rating on Meta, citing Muse as a potential new monetization opportunity, though it noted consumer privacy concerns as a significant hurdle.