name: imessage

description: Send and receive iMessages/SMS via the imsg CLI on macOS.

version: 1.0.0

author: Hermes Agent

license: MIT

platforms: [macos]

metadata:

hermes:

tags: [iMessage, SMS, messaging, macOS, Apple]

prerequisites:

commands: [imsg]

iMessage

Use imsg to read and send iMessage/SMS via macOS Messages.app.

Prerequisites

• - macOS with Messages.app signed in
• - Install: brew install steipete/tap/imsg
• - Grant Full Disk Access for terminal (System Settings → Privacy → Full Disk Access)
• - Grant Automation permission for Messages.app when prompted

When to Use

• - User asks to send an iMessage or text message
• - Reading iMessage conversation history
• - Checking recent Messages.app chats
• - Sending to phone numbers or Apple IDs

When NOT to Use

• - Telegram/Discord/Slack/WhatsApp messages → use the appropriate gateway channel
• - Group chat management (adding/removing members) → not supported
• - Bulk/mass messaging → always confirm with user first

Quick Reference

List Chats

`bash

imsg chats --limit 10 --json

`

View History

`bash

By chat ID

imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --json

With attachments info

imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --attachments --json

`

Send Messages

`bash

Text only

imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hello!"

With attachment

imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Check this out" --file /path/to/image.jpg

Force iMessage or SMS

imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hi" --service imessage

imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hi" --service sms

`

Watch for New Messages

`bash

imsg watch --chat-id 1 --attachments

`

Service Options

• - --service imessage — Force iMessage (requires recipient has iMessage)
• - --service sms — Force SMS (green bubble)
• - --service auto — Let Messages.app decide (default)

Rules

1. Always confirm recipient and message content before sending

2. Never send to unknown numbers without explicit user approval

3. Verify file paths exist before attaching

4. Don't spam — rate-limit yourself

Example Workflow

User: "Text mom that I'll be late"

`bash

1. Find mom's chat

imsg chats --limit 20 --json | jq '.[] | select(.displayName | contains("Mom"))'

2. Confirm with user: "Found Mom at +1555123456. Send 'I'll be late' via iMessage?"

3. Send after confirmation

imsg send --to "+1555123456" --text "I'll be late"

`