Apple approves Poke as first AI agent on Messages for Business platform
11 reported2 unconfirmed
Poke, a startup that enables users to interact with an AI agent via text message, has become the first AI agent approved to run on Apple’s Messages for Business platform, according to TechCrunch. Previously, the platform was limited to businesses communicating with their own customers and was not open to stand-alone third-party AI agents. Launched in March, Poke is designed for everyday users and can assist with daily planning, calendar management, health tracking, smart home control, and photo editing. The service currently operates over SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp, and will now add iMessage. Poke’s co-founder Marvin von Hagen stated that the startup will pay Apple on a per-user basis, though exact pricing was not disclosed. Getting Apple’s approval required Poke to verify live support capabilities, clearly identify its AI agent, and customize its user interface to meet Apple’s guidelines, a process that took several months. Poke is backed by Spark Capital and General Catalyst, and recently added $10 million to its funding, bringing its post-money valuation to $300 million.
What’s reported
Poke is the first AI agent approved to run on Apple’s Messages for Business platform.
Previously, the platform was only for businesses to communicate with their own customers.
Poke launched in March and is designed for users without technical expertise.
The AI agent can assist with daily planning, calendar management, health tracking, smart home control, and photo editing.
Poke has relayed some 100 million messages to date.
The service operates over SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp, and will now add iMessage.
Poke will pay Apple on a per-user basis; exact pricing was not shared.
Approval required Poke to verify live support, clearly identify the AI agent, and customize its interface to Apple’s guidelines.
The approval process took several months.
Poke is backed by Spark Capital and General Catalyst.
The startup recently added $10 million to its funding, on top of a $15 million seed round, for a $300 million post-money valuation.
Open questions
Whether Apple will announce any AI agent-related news for Messages for Business at its Worldwide Developers Conference.
The exact per-user pricing Poke will pay Apple.
Key figures
Marvin von Hagen, co-founder of The Interaction Company of California (the startup behind Poke)
Spark Capital (investor)
General Catalyst (investor)
Sources: TechCrunch
