iMessage

Connect it

iMessage works on a Mac, through the Messages app that's already there. There's nothing to make: you text yourself from your iPhone, and your assistant answers in the same chat.

In Conch, open Apps, choose Talk to me here, then iMessage.

1. Let Conch read Messages. macOS keeps your messages private, so it asks you first. Press Open System Settings, then turn on Conch's app under Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access. Conch names the app to turn on (Terminal, iTerm, or node when Conch runs in the background). The step ticks itself off when it's on.
2. Choose how you'll text. I text myself is for a Mac signed in with your own Apple ID. This Mac has its own Apple ID is for a Mac that people text at its own address. Conch shows the address Messages uses; nothing to type.
3. Say hello. Texting yourself, you're in already: Conch sends you a hello. On a Mac with its own Apple ID, text it from your iPhone, then press That's me in Conch.

Your first hello

Good to know

• Only the chat with yourself is read. Your other conversations on the Mac are never looked at, and nobody else can write in the chat with yourself.
• Other people's messages are never read. It's your own account answering, so Conch never reads or answers someone else, or a group. On a Mac with its own Apple ID, A number just for Conch is on: people who text it get one polite reply and show up in Conch for you to Let in or Block.
• Approvals are a number. Messages has no buttons: when your assistant asks, the question lists its answers, and you reply with one's number (or yes, or no).
• The first answer asks macOS once. macOS asks whether Conch may use Messages. Press Allow. If you said no, the channel page says so, with Open System Settings (Privacy & Security → Automation).
• Photos come as photos. Pictures from your iPhone (HEIC) arrive as JPEG, so every provider can see them.
• Your Mac has to be on, with Conch running. Texts sent while it's off are answered when it's back, for up to a day.