Poke, a startup that lets users interact with AI agents through text messages, has become the first AI agent approved to operate on Apple’s Messages for Business platform, the company announced on June 4, 2026. The approval allows Poke to add iMessage to its existing lineup of supported messaging platforms, which currently includes SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp in select markets.
Apple’s Messages for Business platform was previously limited to companies such as airlines, retailers, and hotel chains communicating with their own customers via iMessage. It had not previously been open to standalone third-party AI agents. Poke, built by The Interaction Company of California — a 10-person, Palo Alto-based startup — launched in March 2026 and has relayed roughly 100 million messages to date. The service helps users with tasks including daily planning, calendar management, health and fitness tracking, smart home control, and photo editing, all through text.
Securing Apple’s approval took several months. Poke was required to demonstrate it could provide live human support when needed, clearly identify its service as an AI agent, and adapt its interface to meet Apple’s design guidelines — including using link previews instead of inline links and following Apple’s style guide for buttons and interface elements. Co-founder Marvin von Hagen cited the company’s focus on trust and quality as factors in being first to receive approval.
Under the arrangement, Poke pays Apple a per-user fee. Von Hagen described the rate as significantly lower than what Meta charges for WhatsApp access following EU-mandated fee increases, though he did not disclose the exact figure.
The news arrives days before Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, where the company is expected to announce an AI-optimized version of Siri and new AI tools for developers. It has also been rumored that Apple could open its App Store to AI agents, though Poke’s Messages for Business approval is a separate arrangement.
Backed by Spark Capital and General Catalyst, Poke recently added $10 million in new funding on top of a $15 million seed round, bringing its post-money valuation to $300 million. The company is currently rolling out invites to existing users to optionally switch to the iMessage experience.
Source: TechCrunch