Apple has warned in a regulatory disclosure that artificial intelligence agents could access computer systems and execute transactions without proper authorization, potentially exposing the technology giant to legal liabilities and reputational damage.
In its annual regulatory report submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday, Apple detailed how AI agents possess the ability to independently write or modify software code, send messages, and carry out financial transactions. According to the disclosure, these automated agents can interact with software systems both inside and outside the company without securing required permissions.
The company noted that AI agents "may behave in unintended or unpredictable ways, including by taking actions that were not directed, instructed or authorised." Apple further cautioned that deploying artificial intelligence across operating systems, applications, and general services introduces additional operational risks related to bugs, software errors, and security vulnerabilities. It also highlighted that its capacity to oversee and control AI tools created by third-party developers could be limited.
The SEC warning follows changes Apple introduced in October to restrict full disk access permissions on Mac computers, a setting that grants software wide-ranging entry to stored user files. In addition to technical vulnerabilities, Apple noted that evolving global regulations governing artificial intelligence could raise corporate compliance costs, while widespread public anxiety over autonomous systems and their potential risks poses further business challenges.
The regulatory document was submitted a day after Apple Chief Executive Officer John Ternus discussed the company's software strategy with financial analysts during an earnings call on Monday. Ternus stated that Apple sees significant opportunities to expand the range of tasks performed by Siri, its digital assistant, on behalf of consumers.
Ternus underscored the importance of protecting user data when expanding automated features, citing the sensitive personal information stored on iPhones, such as contacts, text messages, health records, and financial details. He explained that Siri could assist users by retrieving personal data stored directly on their devices while ensuring the information remains private from Apple itself. "We want to make sure this is done in a way that protects security and privacy," Ternus said during the call.
