Former Apple Siri Engineer Launches AI Agent for iMessage

Nikhil Gupta, who previously worked on Apple's Siri and Apple Intelligence, has introduced a new AI agent called szn. The agent is designed to function directly within iMessage conversations, enabling users to browse websites, make purchases, and communicate with businesses without leaving their chat.

Unlike traditional chatbots that primarily answer questions, szn can execute actual tasks. Users can interact with szn via iMessage, leveraging data from shared notes, Find My locations, and iCloud files, allowing the AI to perform actions without interrupting the ongoing conversation.

Gupta stated that each user will have an independent AI model with its own name, email address, and phone number. This setup theoretically allows szn to communicate with external services as a distinct contact. For instance, users can instruct szn to contact businesses, manage orders, or make reservations.

The specific method szn uses to integrate with iMessage remains unclear. Apple has previously restricted unofficial third-party access to iMessage, notably blocking services like Beeper Mini. It is uncertain whether szn utilizes Apple's official Messages for Business platform, which another AI agent, Poke, uses.

Users will need to consider privacy, security, and authorization concerns when an AI handles direct payments and communicates externally under its own identity. Further details on szn's pricing model and its technical integration with iMessage are expected.