Apple has approved Poke as the first AI agent to operate on its Messages for Business platform, opening a new use case for a channel that was originally built for businesses like airlines, retailers, and hotel chains to speak with customers inside the Messages app. Until this approval, the platform had not been available to standalone third party AI agents.
As first reported by TechCrunch, Poke which launched in March, is designed to make AI agents easier to use by letting people interact with them through text instead of command line tools or more complex software.
The startup says the service can already support everyday tasks such as daily planning, calendar management, health and fitness tracking, smart home control, and photo editing. It also says it has processed around 100 million messages so far.
The company currently works over SMS, Telegram, and in some markets WhatsApp, and Apple Messages for Business has now been added to that list.
Apple Messages for Business is a verified business account channel that lets users message companies for support, information, appointments, and related requests. The timing also stands out because it comes just before Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, where the company is expected to introduce an AI focused version of Siri and other developer tools.
Say hi to the new Poke! 🌴
Now officially approved by Apple to text on Apple Messages.
As the first and only AI agent. Chat now: https://t.co/VIWYU64dUI pic.twitter.com/AtZxupI2Ji
— Poke (@interaction) June 4, 2026
What Apple required before approval
To get through Apple’s review, Poke had to show that it could provide live support when needed and make clear to users that they were speaking with an AI agent. The company also submitted testimonials from its messaging providers and changed parts of its interface to fit Apple’s requirements.
On Apple Messages for Business, it now has to show link previews rather than inline links and follow Apple’s style guide for buttons and interface elements.
Marvin von Hagen, co founder of The Interaction Company of California, said the review process took time and pointed to trust as a major reason Poke was the first AI agent approved for the platform. He said, “I think Apple is just noticing this is the best way to offer AI,” and added, “This took a couple of months to adhere to all of these standards.”
The approval may also signal how AI agents could be monetized on messaging platforms. Von Hagen said, “Poke will pay its messaging service provider on a per user basis, and that the pricing is lower than Meta AI after fee changes linked to EU rules around third party AI agents on WhatsApp.” Poke is now sending invitations so existing users can move to Apple Messages for Business, while continuing its subscriptions and adding an Apple Pay option.
