Apple Messages for Business API: access and setup
Access Apple's business channel through an approved messaging provider. Claw Messenger is not Apple Messages for Business. It connects AI agents through a separate managed iMessage, RCS, and SMS API.
Branded service channel
Best for an approved customer-service or commerce experience with Apple entry points and interactive features.
Dedicated AI-agent route
Apple Messages for Business vs Claw Messenger
Approval
Use an Apple-approved Messaging Service Provider. Your experience must pass Apple review before launch.
Request Agency access with your use case. Acceptance depends only on the use case.
Entry method
Customers enter from a website, app, Apple Maps, Message Suggest, or QR code. The conversation opens in Messages.
Known or opted-in contacts use the client number. AI agents send and receive on that route.
AI-agent fit
Your provider can support bots or AI, human handoff, and business-system integrations.
AI agents use REST or WebSocket for iMessage, RCS, and SMS.
Dedicated line
This is a branded Apple service channel, not a dedicated-number product. Apple gives the business an opaque customer identifier.
Each provisioned Agency subtenant gets one dedicated visible number with separate routing and usage.
Pricing
Apple's setup guide does not publish a channel price. Commercial terms come from the approved provider you select.
$199 monthly per approved subtenant once provisioned, plus $250 parent onboarding. It includes 1,000 messages, then costs $0.005 per extra message.
How do you get API access?
Choose an approved provider, then register an internal test account with Apple Business Register. Build and test your conversation flow. Your provider submits a recording for Apple review before launch. Ask the provider about its API, integrations, and commercial terms.
Does each client need a visible number?
Apple's branded service channel suits customer support and commerce. Agency gives each provisioned client workspace one dedicated visible number for AI agents. Creating a subtenant assigns an available line and charges its monthly plan. Failed payment or exhausted capacity blocks creation.
One reviewed subtenant first.
- $250
- one-time parent onboarding
- 1,000
- messages included
- $0.005
- each additional message
- One line
- per provisioned subtenant
Agency is request-only. Payment does not reserve a number, begin provisioning, or start the monthly plan.