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Automattic buys ‘Texts’ inbox app for iMessage, Slack, WhatsApp, X, and more

Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, has acquired the all-in-one messaging app Texts. The app is capable of combining services including iMessage, WhatsApp, Slack DMs, and much more into a single interface.

iMessage in Texts

For now, Texts is available as a desktop client on the Mac, Windows, and Linux. Texts says an iPhone version of the app is currently in development. They also say that each platform maintains the same end-to-end encryption through the Texts client as each service’s respective app. Plus the fact that Automattic is behind Texts makes it less creepy.

On the Mac, for example, iMessage is enabled through a set of system permissions and not with your Apple ID. These include granting Accessibility access, Contacts access, Full Disk Access (like Setapp), and Automation permission.

In the shipping Mac client, version 0.80.10, Texts lists two known issues:

  • Messages.app will be open in the background but Texts can keep it hidden.
  • Reacting/replying to some types of messages isn’t supported.

You can also use Texts without iMessage and still benefit from the other messaging platforms it supports.

All-in-one inbox

Texts supports many popular messaging platforms at launch.

  • iMessage (Mac only)
  • SMS (through iMessage)
  • Signal
  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • Messenger
  • Instagram
  • X (formerly Twitter)
  • Discord DMs
  • Slack DMs
  • LinkedIn

Texts features

Why combine some or all of these services into a single app? Texts gives you one app to monitor multiple services. You can also search across various messaging services in one app.

Plus there are features like ChatGPT-powered summaries and draft responses, Gmail-style labels, keyboard shortcuts, snoozing and send later, stealth mode, and much more. There’s also a browser extension for opening messages in the Texts app from the web.

Texts is monetized with a monthly or yearly subscription starting at $12.50/month. Access is loosely invite-only, although you can subscribe with a free 30-day subscription to try it now.

Check it out at Texts.com if you’re interested in testing out the all-in-one messaging app.

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Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.