Apple’s upcoming macOS Sequoia will require users to confirm app screen recording permissions every week. This change affects any application that uses screen recording or screen capture features. When an app tries to record the screen, users will see a prompt asking if they want to allow access.
The prompt states: “[App name] can access this computer’s screen and audio. Do you want to continue to allow access? This application may collect information from any open applications on your desktop while the app is running.”
Users can choose “Continue To Allow” or “Open System Settings” to manage permissions.
This prompt will appear weekly the first time each app is used and after each Mac reboot. Popular apps like ScreenFlow, CleanShot X, Zoom, Slack, and Discord will be impacted.
macOS Sequoia screen recording consent
Even apps using Apple’s own frameworks meant to streamline permissions will be affected. Some users testing the macOS Sequoia beta have expressed frustration with the frequent prompts disrupting their workflows. Remote desktop users find it especially inconvenient to access their machines just to confirm permissions physically.
However, Apple has indicated this is an intentional security feature, not a bug. It aims to protect user privacy by regularly re-confirming consent for screen recording access. As macOS Sequoia is still in beta, there is a chance policies could change before the official release based on feedback.
But for now, these are the requirements communicated to developers. The new macOS will also introduce other security enhancements, like stricter requirements for running unsigned apps. More details are expected to emerge as Apple refines macOS Sequoia ahead of its launch.
