Poke Wins Apple iMessage Approval After 100 Million Messages, Opening New AI Agent Toll
Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · Jun 4
Poke Wins Apple iMessage Approval After 100 Million Messages, Opening New AI Agent Toll
3 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Jun 4
Summary
Poke is rolling out invites for existing users to shift to iMessage after becoming the first standalone AI agent cleared for Apple’s Messages for Business platform.
Apple approved the service only after Poke proved it could provide live support, clearly label the bot as AI, and rework its interface to match Apple rules on links, buttons and other elements.
That access comes with a per-user fee paid to Apple, creating a new distribution cost for AI agent startups and a potential recurring revenue stream for Apple.
The 10-person startup, launched in March, says it has already relayed about 100 million messages across SMS, Telegram and some WhatsApp markets; it is now valued at $300 million after adding $10 million to last year’s $15 million seed round.
The approval lands days before WWDC, where Apple is expected to unveil more AI features, suggesting broader support for agents could expand beyond this first Messages for Business deal.
Will Apple's 'per-user fee' for AI agents become the new standard for monetizing AI on any platform?
How will Apple's controlled AI 'chokepoint' compete against the more open ecosystems of its rivals?
Apple Opens iMessage to AI: Poke Becomes First Approved Third-Party Agent, Ushering in New Business Models and Privacy Standards
Overview
Apple has officially approved Poke as the first third-party AI agent for its Messages for Business platform, marking a major shift in how AI is integrated into mainstream communication. This decision reflects Apple's deep trust in Poke, which earned approval by focusing on quality, integrity, and user experience. Poke stands out as an advanced personal AI assistant that automates tasks and enhances productivity directly within familiar messaging apps like iMessage. By evolving Messages for Business to support sophisticated AI capabilities, Apple is opening its ecosystem to new possibilities, making AI assistance more accessible and user-friendly for iPhone users.