Messaging API questions and answers

Can I test Comms before paying?

Shared platform line; 100 messages per day. Start testing without a card.

Is this real iMessage or just SMS?

Comms offers hosted phone-number iMessage and SMS. This is distinct from Apple Messages for Business, which uses a verified business identity.

Auto routing selects an available channel for the sending line and recipient, moving to another channel only after a confirmed pre-send rejection. RCS fallback supports plain text. An uncertain result does not trigger another send.

An explicit channel never falls back.

When does RCS work?

RCS requires a supported dedicated line, carrier enablement, and a compatible recipient. Sending currently supports one plain-text message to an E.164 phone number.

Do you guarantee read receipts?

Acceptance is not delivery. Delivery and read events depend on the channel, line, recipient, and available receipts. SMS does not provide read receipts.

Can every workspace claim a number automatically?

API line claiming requires workspace approval and available inventory. A denied claim returns line_claim_not_allowed; unavailable inventory returns no_available_line.

Can I port an existing number?

Porting requires approval and a supported number. Confirm port-in, port-out, geographic availability, fees, and timing before planning a migration. You can cancel replacement setup before submitting the transfer; a submitted transfer cannot be canceled from the setup panel.

Is native Apple Pay available in the thread?

Payment requests use checkout links only when the global Payments product and workspace payments are enabled and merchant requirements are met. Native in-thread Apple Pay is coming soon; checkout links are not native Apple Pay in Messages.

What happens when a human takes over?

Comms supports agent handoff controls. When building your own agent, store conversation ownership in your backend and pause automated sends while a human owns the thread.

Can I use my own knowledge and policies?

Add product information, policies, and operating rules to your agent. Workspace material can support every agent; agent-specific material stays scoped to that agent.

Is AI usage included in a messaging plan?

AI usage is billed separately from messaging plans, through prepaid Comms credits or a connected customer OpenRouter account. No messaging plan includes AI usage. Review credit-purchase fees and model costs before enabling a hosted agent.

How do message limits work?

Free and Plus use shared platform lines. Free is 100 messages per day; Plus is $50/month with spam prevention and line-health limits. Dedicated is $200/month with $0 setup and unlimited messages, up to 7,000 a day per line; add a line for more.