Quick Summary
iMessage
Apple iMessage integration (macOS only)
- Native macOS integration
- iCloud sync
- Media support
Matrix
Decentralized Matrix protocol support
- Decentralized/federated
- End-to-end encryption
- Thread support
Capability Comparison
| Capability | iMessage | Matrix |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Messages | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Group Chats | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Media Messages | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Voice Messages | ✓ Yes | — No |
| Reactions | — No | ✓ Yes |
| Thread Support | — No | ✓ Yes |
| Native Commands | — No | — No |
| Text Limit | 4096 chars | 4096 chars |
| Protocol | imsg (macOS-only) | matrix-bot-sdk |
Access Control Policies
iMessage
DM Policies
allowlistpairingopen
Group Policies
allowlistopen
Matrix
DM Policies
allowlistpairingopen
Group Policies
allowlistopen
Best Use Cases
Choose iMessage for:
- Personal AI assistant
- Family communication
- Apple ecosystem users
Choose Matrix for:
- Privacy-focused teams
- Open source communities
- Self-hosted environments
Use with AI Providers
Both channels work with all OpenClaw AI providers:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for AI assistants, iMessage or Matrix?
Both work well with OpenClaw. iMessage is better for personal ai assistant, while Matrix excels at privacy-focused teams. Consider your audience and feature requirements.
Can I use both iMessage and Matrix with OpenClaw?
Yes! OpenClaw supports multiple channels simultaneously. You can connect the same AI assistant to both iMessage and Matrix, allowing users to interact through their preferred platform.
Which has better group chat support?
Both support group chats. iMessage uses allowlist, open policies, while Matrix uses allowlist, open.