Apple Opens Doors to AI Agents with Poke Approval

Poke, a startup that simplifies using AI agents through text messages, has made history by becoming the first AI agent approved to operate on Apple’s Messages for Business platform. Previously, this platform was designed for businesses like airlines and hotels to communicate with their customers via iMessage, offering both automated chat and live support. Now, Poke is breaking new ground by making these services accessible to everyday users.

Launched in March, Poke aims to make AI interactions as simple as sending a text message. It can help manage calendars, track health and fitness, control smart homes, and even edit photos—all through text. To date, it has relayed over 100 million messages, according to the company.

The AI service operates across multiple platforms including SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp, with iMessage now added to its list of supported interfaces. Poke’s founders believe this move could be a significant step for Apple in embracing third-party AI agents.

Apple's Messages for Business platform is not about offering consumer-facing mobile apps but providing businesses with an interface where customers can interact directly through iMessage. Users simply ask Poke questions or make requests, and it responds via text. This system allows consumers to reach out to businesses without making a phone call.

The approval process was rigorous. Poke had to prove its ability to provide live support when needed and ensure its AI agent was clearly identified as such. The company also customized its user interface to meet Apple’s guidelines, including showing link previews instead of inline links on iMessage.

For founders Marvin von Hagen and his team at The Interaction Company of California, this approval is a milestone. They will pay Apple per user, which they believe could become a meaningful new revenue stream for the tech giant. Von Hagen notes that Apple’s support for AI agents may grow over time as more businesses see the benefits.

Getting approved by Apple took several months of adhering to strict standards. Von Hagen emphasizes the importance of trust and quality in building a brand that signals reliability, differentiating Poke from other consumer products that might prioritize numbers at the expense of quality.