notes · Apple MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What notes does on Apple MCP

AI agents use notes to create or update resources in Apple MCP — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Apple MCP environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why notes needs a policy

The tool performs both Read operations (search, retrieve) and Write operations (create notes). Per classification rules, Write is more severe than Read. While the tool description doesn't mention deletion or destructive operations, the ability to create notes represents reversible modification of user data.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it can 'Search, retrieve and create notes' - the create function is explicitly mentioned, indicating data modification capability.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

notes Rate-limited

notes stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "notes": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "notes_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Apple MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about notes

What does the notes tool do? +

Search, retrieve and create notes in Apple Notes app. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Apple MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on notes? +

Register the Apple MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for notes: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Apple MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is notes? +

notes is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit notes? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the notes rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block notes completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for notes. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides notes? +

notes is provided by the Apple MCP server (obisagno/apple-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.