Apple System — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Lets an assistant view macOS settings and run desktop actions. Helpful when controlling Mac preferences from a coding agent.
claude mcp add --env APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE=<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE> --env APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS=<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS> --transport stdio applesystem-mcp -- uvx apple-system-mcpWhat Apple System does
This MCP server connects AI assistants directly to macOS system utilities. It allows the model to inspect preferences and trigger desktop tasks without leaving your terminal workflow. Built-in tools like system_health verify setup status, while system_permission_guide helps troubleshoot access prompts.
The server requires macOS and Python 3.11 or newer. Execution happens locally via uvx. Because desktop actions interact with native services, macOS will ask for user approval across System Events, Accessibility, or Automation panes.
Security hinges on the APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE environment variable. Passing an invalid or empty value forces safe_readonly, which stops modification tools from executing. You can also restrict desktop automation to specific software with APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS.
What it helps with
- inspect macOS preferences directly from your agent chat
- automate authorized desktop interactions across allowed programs
- verify operating system access rights with
system_health - restrict execution via safety profiles and app allowlists
Example prompts for the agent
- Run
system_healthto verify if macOS accessibility permissions are granted. - Check what permissions are missing by calling
system_permission_guide. - Inspect current display and system parameters using available macOS tools.
How to install Apple System
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE=<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE> --env APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS=<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS> --transport stdio applesystem-mcp -- uvx apple-system-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from apple-system-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add applesystem-mcp --env APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE=<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE> --env APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS=<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS> -- uvx apple-system-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from apple-system-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"applesystem-mcp": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"apple-system-mcp"
],
"env": {
"APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE": "<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE>",
"APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS": "<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from apple-system-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"applesystem-mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"apple-system-mcp"
],
"env": {
"APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE": "<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE>",
"APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS": "<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from apple-system-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE=<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE> -e APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS=<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS> applesystem-mcp uvx apple-system-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from apple-system-mcp <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Apple System
How do I install Apple System in Claude Code?
Register it by running claude mcp add apple-system-mcp -- uvx apple-system-mcp. To specify safety modes and allowed programs upfront, run `claude mcp add --env APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE=<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_SAFETY_MODE> --env APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS=<APPLE_SYSTEM_MCP_GUI_ALLOWED_APPS> --transport stdio applesystem-mcp -- uvx apple-system-mcp`.
What does the Apple System MCP server do?
It allows your AI agent to read macOS configurations and execute controlled desktop actions.
What macOS permissions does Apple System require?
Certain operations require permissions under Accessibility, System Events, or Automation in System Settings. You must grant these permissions manually when macOS prompts you.
