Poke, a company that simplifies interaction with AI agents through text messages, has achieved a notable milestone by becoming the first AI agent approved to operate on Apple’s Messages for Business platform. This development represents a significant expansion for the platform, which was previously exclusively designed for businesses, such as airlines, retailers, and hotel chains, to communicate directly with their own customers via the Apple Messages app. Until now, it had not been accessible to independent, third-party AI agents.
Launched in March, Poke aims to make AI agents approachable for everyday users who may lack the technical expertise or inclination to engage with more complex systems. The service facilitates common activities including daily planning, calendar management, health and fitness tracking, smart home control, and photo editing, all through a straightforward text message interface. The company has reported processing approximately 100 million messages to date.
Currently, Poke operates across various communication channels, including SMS, Telegram, and in certain regions, WhatsApp. Its integration into Apple Messages for Business means it will now be accessible as a verified business account on the platform. This allows consumers to interact with the AI agent for information or requests directly within the Messages app, bypassing the need for phone calls to businesses.
The approval comes just days before Apple’s anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where the tech giant is expected to unveil an AI-optimised version of Siri and introduce other AI tools and services for app developers. While rumours have circulated about Apple potentially opening its App Store to AI agents, the current approval for Poke on Messages for Business operates differently, focusing on business-to-consumer interactions rather than a direct consumer-facing mobile application.
For companies looking to integrate with Apple's platform, the approval process is rigorous. Marvin von Hagen, co-founder of The Interaction Company of California, the startup behind Poke, noted that securing Apple's approval required demonstrating the ability to offer live support when necessary, and ensuring the AI agent was clearly identified as such. The company also had to provide testimonies from its messaging providers and customise its user interface to meet Apple's specific guidelines, including displaying link previews and adhering to Apple’s style guide for interface elements. This process reportedly took several months, suggesting a high bar for other developers seeking similar approval.