Quick Summary
Connect AI to WhatsApp via Baileys protocol
- QR code authentication
- Multi-file auth state persistence
- Media handling (images, audio, video, documents)
iMessage
Apple iMessage integration (macOS only)
- Native macOS integration
- iCloud sync
- Media support
Capability Comparison
| Capability | iMessage | |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Messages | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Group Chats | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Media Messages | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Voice Messages | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Reactions | — No | — No |
| Thread Support | — No | — No |
| Native Commands | — No | — No |
| Text Limit | 4096 chars | 4096 chars |
| Protocol | @whiskeysockets/baileys | imsg (macOS-only) |
Access Control Policies
DM Policies
allowlistpairingopen
Group Policies
allowlistopen
iMessage
DM Policies
allowlistpairingopen
Group Policies
allowlistopen
Best Use Cases
Choose WhatsApp for:
- Personal AI assistant
- Family group automation
- Business customer support
- Team communication
Choose iMessage for:
- Personal AI assistant
- Family communication
- Apple ecosystem users
Use with AI Providers
Both channels work with all OpenClaw AI providers:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for AI assistants, WhatsApp or iMessage?
Both work well with OpenClaw. WhatsApp is better for personal ai assistant, while iMessage excels at personal ai assistant. Consider your audience and feature requirements.
Can I use both WhatsApp and iMessage with OpenClaw?
Yes! OpenClaw supports multiple channels simultaneously. You can connect the same AI assistant to both WhatsApp and iMessage, allowing users to interact through their preferred platform.
Which has better group chat support?
Both support group chats. WhatsApp uses allowlist, open policies, while iMessage uses allowlist, open.