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Chert Review

Chert provides the infrastructure for teams to send, receive, and automate conversations over iMessage using APIs.

shipped May 19, 2026aifreemium
Chert - AI tool
1Chert is a Y Combinator-backed startup, having received $500K in accelerator funding.
2It enables businesses to achieve up to 10x higher reply rates compared to cold email through iMessage.
3The platform supports genuine 'blue-bubble' iMessage delivery, including read receipts and tapbacks.
4Chert launched on Product Hunt on May 19, 2026, where it ranked #7 on its launch day.

Chert at a Glance

Best For
Businesses looking to automate and enhance communication via iMessage
Pricing
Subscription SaaS
Key Features
AI deployment on iMessage, Automated conversations, Personalized messaging, High-trust communication, Scalable infrastructure
Alternatives
Blooio, OpenClaw, Flux, Mei

About Chert

Business Model
Subscription SaaS
Funding
Y Combinator
Platforms
Web, API
Target Audience
Businesses looking to automate and enhance communication via iMessage

Leadership

Chert

Investors

Y Combinator

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1

Blooio

Blooio provides a REST API specifically for iMessage, enabling developers to build custom AI agents with native iMessage features like read receipts and typing indicators.

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2

OpenClaw

OpenClaw is an open-source, self-hosted AI assistant that integrates with iMessage (and other platforms) via a command-line tool, offering high customization and control over the AI's operation.

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3

Flux

Flux allows users to quickly create and deploy AI agents directly within iMessage, focusing on natural, native messaging interaction without requiring an app download for the end-user.

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4

Mei

Mei offers a self-service custom AI builder for deploying AI agents across various messaging channels, including SMS, phone calls, and messenger apps, with a focus on emotionally intelligent AI.

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overview

What is Chert?

Chert is an AI tool developed by Chert that enables businesses to deploy conversational AI agents specifically for iMessage. It aims to leverage the high engagement rates and trusted nature of iMessage for business interactions, facilitating scaled, personalized communication with customers and prospects. The platform provides an API-driven infrastructure for sending and receiving authentic iMessage conversations at scale. Its core functionality involves deploying AI agents on iMessage to automate various tasks, including appointment booking, rescheduling, customer support inquiries, and lead management. Chert is particularly suited for sales-driven small businesses in sectors like real estate, recruiting, and local services, where high reply rates from prospects are crucial for operational efficiency.

quick facts

Quick Facts

AttributeValue
DeveloperChert
Business ModelFreemium, Subscription SaaS
PricingFreemium, specific details not publicly disclosed
PlatformsWeb, API
API AvailableYes
IntegrationsHubSpot, Salesforce, Close, GoHighLevel
FundingY Combinator ($500K accelerator funding)

features

Key Features of Chert

Chert offers a specialized set of features designed to facilitate high-engagement, automated communication via iMessage. Its infrastructure supports native iMessage capabilities and integrates with existing business workflows to enhance customer and prospect interactions.

  • 1Real iMessage Protocol Support: Enables verified iMessage conversations at scale with genuine 'blue-bubble' delivery, appearing as native iMessage threads.
  • 2AI Agent Deployment: Allows users to deploy conversational AI agents directly on iMessage for automated interactions.
  • 3API-Driven Platform: Provides an API for programmatic sending, receiving, and automating iMessage conversations.
  • 4Automatic SMS/RCS Fallback: Ensures message delivery by automatically switching to SMS/RCS for contacts not on iMessage.
  • 5CRM Integration: Logs conversation histories directly into CRMs including HubSpot, Salesforce, Close, and GoHighLevel for data tracking.
  • 6Rich Conversational Elements: Supports native iMessage features such as read receipts, tapbacks, group chats, and attachments.
  • 7Scalable Infrastructure: Designed to support teams scaling to hundreds of lines and thousands of messages.
  • 8Personalized Messaging: Facilitates personalized interactions at scale through AI-driven communication.

use cases

Who Should Use Chert?

Chert is designed for businesses and teams seeking to leverage the high engagement and trusted nature of iMessage for automated communication. Its capabilities are particularly beneficial for sales, customer service, and marketing functions across various industries.

  • 1B2C Startups and Consumer Apps: For automating personalized lead outreach, conversion, and customer engagement campaigns via iMessage.
  • 2Sales Teams (e.g., Real Estate, Recruiting): To conduct outbound sales, qualify leads, and book meetings, aiming for significantly higher reply rates (up to 90% action rates for outbound sales).
  • 3Customer Experience Teams: For deploying AI agents to automate support inquiries, provide instant responses, and handle customer service conversations through iMessage.
  • 4Developers: To utilize the API for integrating iMessage automation into existing applications and custom workflows.
  • 5Businesses Requiring High-Trust Communication: For sectors where authentic, peer-to-peer communication is critical, leveraging iMessage's perceived authenticity.

pricing

Chert Pricing & Plans

Chert operates on a freemium model, offering initial free options for users to explore its capabilities. However, specific details regarding paid subscription tiers, feature sets, and pricing structures are not publicly disclosed on their website or in available documentation. Interested businesses are advised to book a direct consultation with Chert to discuss customized plans and obtain specific pricing information. The company indicates a 'scalable pricing structure that lets teams scale to hundreds of lines and thousands of messages,' suggesting usage-based or tiered models for larger operations.

  • 1Freemium model with initial free options.
  • 2Specific paid subscription tiers and pricing details are not publicly disclosed; consultation required for customized plans.

competitors

Chert vs Competitors

Chert distinguishes itself in the conversational AI landscape by focusing specifically on providing genuine iMessage infrastructure, offering a unique value proposition compared to generic messaging platforms and other AI tools. Its specialization allows it to tap into a platform known for high engagement and trust.

1
Blooio

Blooio provides a REST API specifically for iMessage, enabling developers to build custom AI agents with native iMessage features like read receipts and typing indicators.

Similar to Chert, Blooio directly targets iMessage AI deployment and emphasizes developer-friendly API access for building AI bots. It focuses on providing the underlying API for integration rather than a full platform.

2

OpenClaw is an open-source, self-hosted AI assistant that integrates with iMessage (and other platforms) via a command-line tool, offering high customization and control over the AI's operation.

Like Chert, OpenClaw enables AI on iMessage, but it is a self-hosted, open-source solution, appealing to developers who prefer more control over their infrastructure, unlike Chert which appears to be a managed platform.

3

Flux allows users to quickly create and deploy AI agents directly within iMessage, focusing on natural, native messaging interaction without requiring an app download for the end-user.

Flux is a very direct competitor, offering a similar 'AI on iMessage' solution with a strong emphasis on rapid deployment and a native user experience, much like Chert's value proposition.

4
Mei

Mei offers a self-service custom AI builder for deploying AI agents across various messaging channels, including SMS, phone calls, and messenger apps, with a focus on emotionally intelligent AI.

While Chert focuses specifically on iMessage, Mei provides a broader multi-channel approach to AI messaging, but its self-service builder for creating custom AI agents for text interactions is comparable.

Frequently Asked Questions

+What is Chert?

Chert is an AI tool developed by Chert that enables businesses to deploy conversational AI agents specifically for iMessage. It aims to leverage the high engagement rates and trusted nature of iMessage for business interactions, facilitating scaled, personalized communication with customers and prospects.

+Is Chert free?

Chert operates on a freemium model, offering initial free options. However, specific details regarding paid subscription tiers and pricing structures are not publicly disclosed. Interested businesses need to book a direct consultation for customized plans and pricing.

+What are the main features of Chert?

Key features of Chert include real iMessage protocol support with 'blue-bubble' delivery, AI agent deployment for automated conversations, an API-driven platform, automatic SMS/RCS fallback, CRM integrations (HubSpot, Salesforce, Close, GoHighLevel), and support for rich conversational elements like read receipts and tapbacks.

+Who should use Chert?

Chert is ideal for B2C startups, consumer apps, sales teams (e.g., real estate, recruiting), customer experience teams, and developers looking to automate and enhance communication via iMessage. It targets businesses that prioritize high engagement and trusted interactions.

+How does Chert compare to alternatives?

Chert differentiates itself by specializing in genuine iMessage infrastructure, offering 'blue-bubble' delivery and rich conversational features, unlike generic SMS/RCS platforms. Compared to broader AI chatbot builders, Chert focuses on the high engagement of iMessage. It offers a more integrated platform than API-focused tools like Blooio and is a managed service unlike open-source solutions such as OpenClaw. It directly competes with platforms like Flux that also offer AI on iMessage, while Mei provides a broader multi-channel AI messaging approach.

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