TLDR
- Apple stock rises as Poke secures iMessage AI agent approval
- Poke becomes first standalone AI agent on Apple iMessage
- Apple opens Messages for Business to Poke’s AI text agent
- Poke expands AI assistant access through Apple’s iMessage
- Apple gains fresh AI angle as Poke lands on iMessage platform
Apple (AAPL) shares ended higher after a muted session, while Poke gained approval to run on Apple’s Messages for Business platform. AAPL closed at $311.23, up 0.31%, after early gains faded before a modest late recovery. The approval gives Apple a fresh link to consumer AI agents through its existing iMessage business channel.
Poke Becomes First AI Agent Approved for iMessage
Poke has become the first standalone AI agent approved for Apple’s Messages for Business platform. The platform mainly served airlines, retailers, hotels, and other firms that message customers through iMessage. Apple has now allowed a third-party AI agent to use the same business messaging system.
The startup launched in March and targets users who want AI support through simple text commands. It helps users plan daily tasks, manage calendars, track health goals, control smart homes, and edit photos. Besides, the company says it has already relayed about 100 million messages across supported channels.
Poke currently works through SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp in selected markets. Now, the company can add iMessage as another access point for users who prefer Apple’s ecosystem. Consequently, the approval expands Poke’s reach without requiring users to download a separate consumer app.
Apple Adds AI Agent Access Before WWDC
The approval comes days before Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which begins on Monday. Apple may introduce more AI tools for Siri, developers, and app services during the event. Poke’s approval does not mean Apple has opened the App Store to AI agents.
Messages for Business works differently from a consumer app marketplace. It lets users contact companies through iMessage for support, information, bookings, and related services. Poke users can send requests directly through iMessage and receive agent responses inside Apple’s messaging interface.
Apple requires companies using Messages for Business to meet specific service and interface rules. Poke had to show that users could access live support when needed. Additionally, it had to make clear that users were interacting with an AI agent.
Business Model Adds New Revenue Path for Apple
Poke’s launch also introduces a clear commercial angle for Apple. The startup will pay Apple on a per-user basis for access to the messaging platform. That structure may create a new revenue line if AI agents gain wider adoption on iMessage.
The model also adds a distribution cost for AI agent startups that want Apple access. Poke’s co-founder, Marvin von Hagen, said Apple charges the company per user on the platform. He described the cost as lower than Meta’s revised fees for third-party AI agents on WhatsApp.
Poke also adjusted its interface to match Apple’s platform rules. It now shows link previews instead of inline links and follows Apple’s design guide for buttons. As a result, the approval process took months and may set a path for other AI agents.
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