Poke, a startup that simplifies the use of AI agents to a text message, has become the first AI agent approved to operate on Apple's Messages for Business platform. This platform was previously reserved for businesses such as airlines, retailers, and hotel chains to communicate with customers via iMessage, providing a standardized interface that supports both automated chat and live agents. Launched in March, Poke is designed to be accessible to everyday users who may lack technical skills, helping with activities such as daily planning, calendar management, health and fitness tracking, smart home control, and photo editing—all via text message. To date, it has relayed around 100 million messages. The AI service operates over SMS, Telegram, and in some markets, WhatsApp, and now adds iMessage to its supported platforms. Poke's launch on Apple’s Messages for Business comes just before the anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference, where an AI-optimized version of Siri is expected to be introduced alongside other AI tools and services. It’s important to note that the Messages for Business platform isn’t about offering a consumer-facing mobile app but rather facilitating consumer interaction with businesses through iMessage. Users can ask the AI agent questions or make requests, and it responds via text. The business model that Poke introduces is particularly intriguing; the co-founder Marvin von Hagen mentions that the startup will pay Apple on a per-user basis, which he claims is significantly lower than Meta AI after its fee hikes due to EU regulations. This per-user fee structure could represent a meaningful new revenue stream for Apple while also introducing a new distribution cost for AI agent startups. To gain Apple's approval, Poke had to demonstrate its capacity to offer live support and clearly identify its AI agent as such. They also customized their user interface to meet Apple's guidelines. The approval process took several months, which will likely be the case for any other company looking to build on this platform. As the first approved AI agent, Poke’s success is closely tied to trust. Von Hagen emphasizes that many consumer products today rely on questionable tactics to boost numbers, whereas they prioritize quality and building a trustworthy brand. It remains unclear if Apple will announce any new AI agent developments at WWDC, but Poke is currently rolling out invites to existing users to transition to the iMessage experience. Backed by Spark Capital and General Catalyst, the startup recently raised an additional $10 million, bringing its valuation to $300 million. Apple has yet to comment on the matter.
Blogger's Review: Poke's success not only showcases the potential of AI agents in everyday life but also opens new avenues for interaction between businesses and consumers. This user-centric AI service model could significantly enhance user experience and may lead to broader commercial applications in the future. Looking forward to further developments in Apple's AI strategy.