James Washington
writing about archive utils free game ideas replays
Technique

Apple Reminders: Automation permission, not data permission

Why an AI can't add reminders even when it seems allowed, and the workaround.

AI around the house

how it works

kTCCServiceReminders data grant is necessary but not sufficient; AppleScript needs Automation (-1743); fallback is creating a VTODO over iCloud CalDAV.

Technique: A pattern or hard-won lesson, written down so it isn't learned twice.

The code for this one lives in a private repo. This page explains the idea so you can build your own.

caldavmacostcctechnique

related

  • reminders: Apple Reminders capture AI skill Say 'remind me' in any AI session and it lands on James's phone's to-do list.
  • AppleScript automation skill AI skill Lets the AI control Mac apps and the Ghostty terminal.
  • Headless shells need 0600 token files Technique Remote terminal sessions can't open the Mac's password vault, so they need separate locked-down token files.
  • Obsidian vault as an iPhone<->agent message bus Technique When typing long messages into the AI from a phone breaks, write them in a notes app that syncs instead.
  • launchd daemons need their own TCC grants Technique Mac background services need their own privacy permissions; testing from a terminal lies.
← everything I've built
© 2026 James Washington
github twitter rss