Apple has approved Poke as the first AI agent to run on its Messages for Business platform, opening a new iMessage-based path for consumer AI agents that work through everyday texting instead of standalone apps or command-line systems.
TL;DR
- Poke can now operate through Apple Messages for Business.
- The AI agent already works through SMS, Telegram and WhatsApp in some markets.
- Poke has relayed about 100 million messages so far.
- The startup will pay Apple on a per-user basis for platform access.
Apple has approved Poke, an AI agent built by The Interaction Company of California, to operate through Apple Messages for Business, making it the first stand-alone third-party AI agent cleared for the platform. Until now, the platform was mainly designed for businesses such as airlines, retailers, hotel chains and service providers to communicate with customers through iMessage.
Apple’s Messages for Business lets users ask companies for information, schedule appointments and make purchases directly in Messages on iPhone or iPad. Apple also says the platform can support fast automated responses for simple requests while keeping a live agent available when needed.
For Poke, the approval means its users can move beyond SMS, Telegram and WhatsApp in supported markets, and access the assistant through Apple’s own messaging experience. Poke’s website now says users can try the “verified chat with rich actions in Apple Messages,” while also noting that Messages for Business runs on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
“Say hi to the new Poke! Now officially approved by Apple to text on Apple Messages. As the first and only AI agent,” Poke said in its announcement, as quoted by TechCrunch.
Launched publicly in March 2026, Poke positions itself as an AI agent that everyday users can access by text. It can help with daily planning, calendar management, health and fitness tracking, smart home control and photo editing. The company told TechCrunch it has relayed around 100 million messages to date.
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The approval also introduces a potentially important business model for Apple and AI agent startups. Poke co-founder Marvin von Hagen told TechCrunch that the startup will pay Apple on a per-user basis, though he did not disclose exact pricing. He said the pricing is “significantly lower than Meta AI” after Meta increased fees tied to EU requirements around third-party AI agents on WhatsApp.
“I think that Apple is just noticing this is the best way to offer AI, and actually, good for them, because they charge us,” von Hagen said. “They charge us per user on the platform and actually make money with this, especially if it becomes really big.”
Getting approved was not instant. According to von Hagen, Poke had to verify that it could provide live support when needed, clearly identify the experience as an AI agent and submit testimonies from messaging providers. Poke also customized its interface to match Apple’s requirements, including link previews and Apple-style buttons and interface elements.
“This took a couple of months to adhere to all of these standards,” von Hagen said, adding that other companies looking to build on the platform may also need a few months to complete the approval process.
The startup is currently rolling out invites to existing users who want to move to the iMessage experience. Poke will continue to offer subscriptions, including an option to pay through Apple’s system. The 10-person startup is backed by Spark Capital, General Catalyst and angel investors, recently added $10 million to its funding, and is now valued at $300 million post-money.
Apple was not immediately available for comment, according to TechCrunch.
