Input Monitoring
Input Monitoring is the macOS permission that can allow an app to observe keyboard input for features like global shortcuts.
Input Monitoring Input Monitoring is the macOS permission that can allow an app to observe keyboard input for features like global shortcuts.
What it means
Input Monitoring is a macOS privacy permission related to observing keyboard input. Voice apps may need it when they expose system-wide hotkeys that should work outside the app’s own window.
What it is not
It is not the same as microphone access and not the same as accessibility access. Each permission covers a different slice of the full dictation workflow.
Why it matters in Mallo
If Mallo supports global dictation triggers, Input Monitoring may be part of the setup path. The permission request should be tied to that concrete feature so users understand the tradeoff.
FAQ
Common questions
Why would Mallo ever need Input Monitoring?
Usually for reliable global shortcut detection when the app needs to react even while another app is frontmost.
Does Input Monitoring mean the app can type anywhere?
No. Observing input for hotkeys is different from inserting text or controlling the interface.
Why should setup explain this carefully?
Because users often hear the name and assume far broader behavior than the feature actually requires.
Sources
Further reading
- Allow apps to monitor input on Mac (Apple Support)