Send and receive iMessages/SMS via the imsg CLI on macOS.
Skill metadata
| Source | Bundled (installed by default) |
| Path | skills/apple/imessage |
| Version | 1.0.0 |
| Author | Hermes Agent |
| License | MIT |
| Platforms | macos |
| Tags | iMessage, SMS, messaging, macOS, Apple |
Reference: full SKILL.md
info
The following is the complete skill definition that Hermes loads when this skill is triggered. This is what the agent sees as instructions when the skill is active.
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
imsg chats --limit 10 --json
View History
# 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
# 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
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
- Always confirm recipient and message content before sending
- Never send to unknown numbers without explicit user approval
- Verify file paths exist before attaching
- Don't spam — rate-limit yourself
Example Workflow
User: "Text mom that I'll be late"
# 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"