Survey of AI agents designed to operate within text messaging platforms

Rather than downloading another app, a growing number of agents can be texted like an ordinary person to perform tasks such as scheduling appointments, organizing calendars, researching trips, sending emails, making reservations, shopping online, or reminding users about pending items days later.

Caddy is an AI assistant that operates within iMessage for iPhone users and RCS for Android users, connecting to calendars and conversations to identify actionable items such as adding events, setting reminders, tracking follow-ups, and conducting research. It has been available in public beta since April 2026.

Fambot is an AI-powered assistant for families that consolidates school communications, sports activities, meal planning, and calendars into an organized plan. It works across iOS, Android, the web, and SMS, and sends nightly summaries of the following day’s events. Fambot launched in beta in early September 2026 and has raised $3.5 million in pre-seed funding.

Folk is an AI assistant accessible via iMessage, WhatsApp, and Telegram that can remember personal context, manage reminders, research topics, track flights, handle email, and perform real-world tasks such as restaurant reservations. It launched its beta in May 2026 and offers a Pro subscription for $8.33 per month.

Instinct is an always-available agent that can take actions on behalf of users via text or voice and connect to apps such as email, calendar, and Google Workspace. In September 2026, Instinct raised $1 billion at a $10 billion valuation and began offering dedicated email addresses for its assistants to handle sign-ups and follow-ups.

Iris is an AI assistant powered by the Hermes agent that operates within iMessage, delegating tasks, retaining context, and following up proactively with users.

Martin is a general-purpose personal assistant reachable via SMS, phone, WhatsApp, email, Slack, and its own iOS app. It manages calendars, email, reminders, tasks, and communications, and can act on behalf of users by sending messages or making phone calls. Subscriptions start at $21 per month.

Miso is an AI travel assistant that operates through iMessage, combining AI trip planning with support from a dedicated travel team. It arranges flights while considering user preferences, loyalty points, and other priorities, and provides trip details and personalized recommendations.

Ohai is a family assistant that transforms messages, forwarded emails, or voice requests into schedules, reminders, and plans, coordinating calendars, chores, and meals across household members. It offers a free basic option and subscriptions starting at $9.99 per month.

Ollie is a family-focused AI assistant that synchronizes information across school messages, calendars, task lists, and group chats to keep households informed. It tracks calendars, emails, reminders, tasks, and household details, delivering relevant information via text.