AI Agent Startup Poke Becomes First Approved to Run on Apple's iMessage Platform

Jun 05, 2026
TechCrunch
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Summary

Poke, an AI agent startup valued at $300 million, makes history as the first AI agent approved to run on Apple's iMessage platform, bringing everyday AI assistance for tasks like calendar management and smart home control directly to iPhone users via text message.

Key Points

  • Poke, an AI agent startup that lets users interact with AI via text message, becomes the first AI agent approved to run on Apple's Messages for Business platform, expanding its reach to iMessage users.
  • Poke operates on a per-user payment model with Apple, offering everyday AI assistance for tasks like calendar management, health tracking, and smart home control, and has already relayed over 100 million messages across SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp.
  • Backed by Spark Capital and General Catalyst with a $300 million valuation, the 10-person Palo Alto startup spent several months meeting Apple's strict approval requirements, including verified live support capabilities and compliance with Apple's UI guidelines.

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