Background Unix executable not appearing in Screen Recording permissions UI (macOS Tahoe 26.1)

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shara7 OP
Created 3w
Replies 3
Boosts 2
Views 434
Participants 2

Our background monitoring application uses a Unix executable that requests Screen Recording permission via CGRequestScreenCaptureAccess(). This worked correctly in macOS Tahoe 26.0.1, but broke in 26.1.

Issue: After calling CGRequestScreenCaptureAccess() in macOS Tahoe 26.1:

  • System dialog appears and opens System Settings
  • Our executable does NOT appear in the Screen Recording list
  • Manually adding via "+" button grants permission internally, but the executable still doesn't show in the UI
  • Users cannot verify or revoke permissions

Background:

  • Unix executable runs as a background process (not from Terminal)
  • Uses Accessibility APIs to retrieve window titles
  • Same issue occurs with Full Disk Access permissions

Environment:

  • macOS Tahoe 26.1 (worked in 26.0.1)
  • Background process (not launched from Terminal)

Questions:

  1. Is this a bug or intentional design change in 26.1?
  2. What's the recommended approach for background executables to properly register with TCC?
  3. Are there specific requirements (Info.plist, etc.) needed?

This significantly impacts user experience as they cannot manage permissions through the UI.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Replies  3
Boosts  2
Views  434
Participants  2
Afogh OP
2w

This is related to this: https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/806187

This is totally broken on macOS 26.1.

0
shara7 OP
2w

"During the minor version upgrade from Tahoe 26.01 to Tahoe 26.1, Unix executables seem to have disappeared from the Privacy & Security settings screen. I suspect this change was made under the assumption that since Unix executables run from Terminal are controlled by Terminal's permissions, separate display was unnecessary. But could it be that this overlooks Unix executables that can be executed through means other than Terminal?"

1
shara7 OP
1w

I found that "Background Security Improvements" was added to the Privacy & Security settings screen in Tahoe 26.1. This option did not exist in Tahoe 26.01.

The macOS Tahoe 26.1 Release Notes say nothing about this, but it is described at https://support.apple.com/en-us/102657.

I would like to know whether this feature is still being developed or has been fully implemented, and whether this change has affected the settings for Screen Recording and Full Disk Access

1
Background Unix executable not appearing in Screen Recording permissions UI (macOS Tahoe 26.1)
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