AI Agents Move Into Your Text Messages
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
A new wave of AI assistants is integrating directly with SMS and messaging apps to handle real-world tasks.
A growing number of AI agents are now accessible via text message, allowing users to delegate tasks without downloading additional apps, according to TechCrunch. These assistants can connect to existing services to schedule appointments, organize calendars, research trips, and make reservations.
Several companies are competing in this space. Instinct, which reached a $10 billion valuation after a $1 billion funding round in September 2026, allows users to communicate via voice or text to manage groceries and cancel subscriptions. Other notable agents include Caddy, which has been in public beta since April 2026 to help iPhone and Android users act on information in their messages, and Iris, which uses the Hermes agent to delegate tasks through iMessage.
Some services target specific niches. Fambot, which raised $3.5 million in pre-seed funding and launched in beta in early September 2026, acts as a family "chief of staff." Miso focuses specifically on AI-powered travel planning via iMessage. General-purpose assistants include Folk, which launched its beta in May 2026, and Martin, which is accessible via SMS, Slack, and WhatsApp.
While some services are currently free, others are implementing subscription models. Folk offers a Pro tier for $8.33 per month, and Martin's subscriptions start at $21 per month. Fambot is currently free during its beta but expects to eventually charge a fee similar to a Netflix subscription, TechCrunch reports.