OpenAI has launched a new ChatGPT feature that enables users to control Apple’s Messages app on Mac computers, potentially raising new privacy concerns for the technology giant.

Rolled out on Thursday, the feature allows ChatGPT to read, compose and send text messages through the Messages app.

The feature can also search users’ conversations, summarise exchanges and provide other information from their message history.

The integration could raise fresh concerns for Apple, whose brand has long been built around protecting user privacy and securing personal data.

The ability of an OpenAI tool to access information stored in Apple’s Messages app could raise concerns about whether users’ private communications may be exposed to external AI systems.

Apple had not immediately responded to the development at the time of the report.

OpenAI said users must give their consent before ChatGPT can interact with their messages. The company also said the integration does not create an index of all a user’s messages.

The tool operates locally on Mac computers and uses existing macOS capabilities, including AppleScript and Accessibility features, to interact with the Messages app.

Before the integration can function, users must grant several permissions. During setup, ChatGPT displays a permissions prompt notifying users that the application will access message history stored on their Mac.

Users must also modify privacy settings in Mac System Settings, including enabling Full Disk Access. In addition, ChatGPT requires permission to access contacts and automation features.

The permissions are broadly similar to those required by other AI-powered automation tools that interact with applications on computers.

OpenAI has continued to expand ChatGPT’s ability to interact with information stored on users’ devices. The company recently added support for analysing data from Apple’s Health app on iPhones and iPads, though Apple’s operating systems require users to explicitly approve sharing such information with ChatGPT.

The latest integration also brings ChatGPT closer to an area Apple is developing through its own AI-powered Siri assistant.