macOS Sequoia 15.1 will annoy you less with those pesky screen recording permission prompts

Apple is finally dialing down the pop-up overload with the upcoming macOS Sequoia 15.1 update, reducing the number of screen recording permission prompts that have driven users up the wall. If you’ve been frustrated by your Mac constantly asking for permissions just as you’re about to record your screen or share content during a call, good news is on the way.

In the latest beta of macOS Sequoia 15.1, Apple is tweaking the frequency of these permissions, meaning you’ll be seeing fewer pop-ups. Previously, users were bombarded with weekly permission requests for every app granted access to screen recording. Apple toned that down to monthly requests, but now they’re taking it a step further. Apps you frequently use and have already trusted won’t nag you quite as often.

According to Apple’s release notes, the revamped ScreenCaptureKit has a new “enhanced user awareness policy,” which translates to less hassle for the user. If you regularly use an app and have accepted the associated risks, macOS will assume you’re still on board and won’t keep asking for the same permissions. So, if Zoom, OBS, or your favorite screen-sharing tool is already a trusted sidekick, you can breathe easier — the era of relentless permission prompts is nearing an end.

This change couldn’t have come soon enough. macOS Sequoia’s initial privacy measures, while well-intentioned, resulted in an overwhelming number of requests for user approval, often at the most inconvenient moments. Sure, it’s nice to know Apple has your back on privacy, but even the most security-conscious users have been left exasperated by the flood of prompts.

In Sequoia, permissions weren’t limited to screen recording alone. Local network access became a particular sore spot, with apps like Chrome, Nextcloud, and even remote desktop tools suddenly demanding approval to access local devices.

This constant back-and-forth of granting permissions, especially for apps that previously operated smoothly, has been a nightmare for many users. One Reddit user recounted a tale of frustration when their outdated IP camera app stopped working because of a permission prompt that never appeared. Even after numerous app restarts, the pop-up remained elusive, essentially locking them out of using the app. These are the kinds of user experiences Apple is addressing with macOS 15.1.

With privacy front and center, Apple is attempting to strike a balance between safeguarding user data and minimizing the intrusion of incessant pop-ups. The latest macOS update is expected to smooth out some of the rough edges while maintaining the security that’s become synonymous with Apple.

macOS Sequoia 15.1 is currently in beta, so if you’re a developer or public tester, you might already notice these welcome changes. For the rest, the update is expected to roll out soon.

Featured image: Kenny Eliason / Unsplash