Hajra Naz
Poke, an AI startup that turns agent-based tools into a simple chat experience, has become the first AI agent approved for Apple’s Messages for Business platform. The platform was earlier limited to companies like airlines, retailers, and hotels for customer communication through iMessage, combining automated chat systems with human support. Standalone AI agents were not allowed before this approval.
Founded in March, Poke focuses on making AI accessible to non-technical users who do not want complex command-line tools or advanced agent systems such as OpenClaw. The service supports everyday tasks like planning schedules, managing calendars, tracking fitness, controlling smart home devices, and editing photos, all through text messages. The company says it has already processed around 100 million messages.
Poke works across SMS, Telegram, and, in some regions, WhatsApp. With Apple’s approval, iMessage now joins its list of supported channels.
The timing aligns closely with Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, where the company is expected to reveal updates tied to AI, including a more advanced version of Siri and new developer tools. Reports also suggest Apple may open parts of its App Store to AI agents.
Apple’s Messages for Business system is not a consumer app marketplace. It gives users a direct way to interact with businesses inside iMessage for support, bookings, and information requests. Poke uses this same structure, where users send prompts and receive AI responses through chat.
The business model behind the integration adds another layer. Marvin von Hagen, co-founder of The Interaction Company of California, the company behind Poke, says Apple charges a per-user fee for access to Messages for Business.
Pricing details remain undisclosed, though he notes it sits below Meta AI’s fees after changes tied to EU rules that pushed Meta to allow third-party AI agents on WhatsApp. This model may create a new revenue stream for Apple while increasing distribution costs for AI startups.
Von Hagen says Apple sees this as a practical way to support AI inside its ecosystem while also monetizing access. He expects Apple to expand support for AI agents over time as adoption grows.
To meet Apple’s approval standards, Poke had to confirm live support availability and clearly label its AI system as non-human. The team also provided third-party verification from messaging partners and adjusted its interface to match Apple’s design rules.
On iMessage, Poke replaces inline links with link previews and follows Apple’s style guidelines for buttons and interface elements.
Von Hagen said the approval process took a few months due to strict requirements. He also suggested early access came down to trust and alignment with Apple’s expectations around product quality and user experience.
Poke is now rolling out iMessage access to selected users who can opt in from other supported platforms.
The startup is backed by Spark Capital, General Catalyst, and angel investors. It has raised an additional $10 million on top of a previous $15 million seed round and is now valued at about $300 million post-money.
