iMessage

Codex iOS Assistant is an open-source system for controlling and inspecting an iPhone from Codex running on a Mac. Its `iphone` CLI sends private commands through iMessage to an iOS Shortcut; the Shortcut performs native iOS actions and returns device context through an authenticated HTTPS response routed via Cloudflare Tunnel to a receiver on the Mac. A per-user macOS LaunchAgent runs the Messages sender outside the Codex sandbox over a Unix socket. The system can read visible screen text, save screenshots, access or replace the clipboard, manage alarms, open specified apps, control timers, the flashlight, and Low Power Mode, place calls, and read Mac Contacts and the Mac Messages database. Message composition creates a draft for review; the CLI does not send ordinary messages, make purchases, install apps, order food, or request rides. It requires macOS 14 or newer, Python 3.11 or newer, Messages, Xcode Command Line Tools, an iPhone reachable at a configured iMessage address, iCloud sync for Shortcuts, and a Cloudflare-managed domain. Installation uses the repository scripts and creates an iOS Shortcut containing 95 native Shortcuts actions, with a manually configured iPhone message automation.

Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging service developed by Telegram Messenger LLP and founded by Pavel and Nikolai Durov. It offers text, voice and video messaging, group chats, channels and a bot API, with optional end-to-end encryption available in "secret chats."

WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging and voice/video calling application owned by Meta Platforms. It provides text messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, file sharing, and end-to-end encryption for communications. The service is available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and via a web client.

Blip is a Linux iMessage client for the Omarchy bar and desktop, developed by Fred Nix and contributors. It uses an existing Mac signed into Messages as a gateway: Linux tools communicate with Mac-side bridge tools over SSH, which read the Mac's chat database and use Messages.app automation to send messages. The Linux client renders conversations, group chats, unread indicators, notifications, search, link previews, photos and files, while a Mac-side watcher provides near-real-time updates. Blip requires an awake, reachable Mac running macOS 13 or newer, with Messages in iCloud, SSH key authentication, and the required macOS permissions. It does not use a hosted server, telemetry, or a Linux-side message cache; message text and attachment data travel through the SSH connection, although opened attachments and link previews may be cached locally. It is distributed as an Omarchy/Quickshell plugin with TypeScript, QML, and Mac bridge tools under the MIT license.

OpenInstinct is an open-source, self-hostable personal assistant operated through iMessage. It uses a cloud browser to sign into sites and perform tasks such as booking tickets or handling groceries, while keeping passwords, credit cards, and other secrets outside the model's view through encrypted storage. It can connect to Gmail, Google Calendar, and read-only Google Contacts; sending email and creating confirmed calendar events require approval. The application can be deployed to Vercel, where it provisions Kernel for cloud browsers, Neon for PostgreSQL, Vercel Blob for browser images and per-user memory, and the Vercel AI Gateway for inference. Linq provides the optional iMessage and production phone-sign-in connection, and the system can use any model. Local development uses Docker Compose, PostgreSQL, the same vault, browser, and AI Gateway path, and Better Auth. The repository warns that it is not intended for production use.