Apple approves Poke as the first AI agent on Messages for Business

In short: Apple has approved Poke, a text-based AI helper, as the first AI agent allowed on its Messages for Business platform.

What happened

Apple’s Messages for Business is the system that lets you message a company inside iMessage instead of calling them. It has been used by airlines, retailers, hotels, and other big brands, with a mix of automated replies and human support.

Now Apple has approved Poke to run on this platform. An “AI agent” is a software helper that can take requests and carry out tasks for you, like a concierge you can text (it answers, and can act on your instructions).

Poke already works over SMS text messages, Telegram, and in some markets WhatsApp. With this approval, Poke can also offer an iMessage option, and the company says it is rolling out invites so existing users can switch if they want.

Poke says it can help with everyday tasks like planning your day, managing a calendar, tracking fitness, controlling smart home devices, and editing photos, all by sending messages. The company told TechCrunch it has relayed about 100 million messages so far.

Poke’s co-founder, Marvin von Hagen, said the startup will pay Apple on a per-user basis, though he did not share pricing. He also said Apple required checks such as having live support available if needed and clearly labeling the service as AI, plus changes to match Apple’s design rules.

Why it matters

For regular iPhone users, this is a sign that Apple may be getting more comfortable with AI services that work inside familiar apps. If more tools like Poke are approved, texting an AI helper could start to feel more like texting a business, simple, direct, and inside the Messages app you already use.

Source: TechCrunch AI