rply - AI Assistant for Missed Texts

Introducing RPLY: An AI Assistant for iMessage Inbox Management

A new application, RPLY, has been released for Mac users today. It is specifically engineered to assist individuals in achieving “inbox zero” within their iMessage conversations.

Addressing "Text Debt" with Artificial Intelligence

RPLY is designed for those who frequently overlook replying to messages, leaving contacts waiting for days. Utilizing AI, the application identifies unresponded-to texts and proposes suitable replies. This aims to prevent unintentional neglect in communication.

The AI assistant can automatically generate responses to messages that have remained unanswered for more than 24 hours.

The Creator and Inspiration Behind RPLY

The app is the creation of Molly Cantillon, a 21-year-old who left Stanford University to develop NOX. NOX is a personalized AI assistant for iOS, supported by OpenAI’s startup fund.

Cantillon explained to TechCrunch that RPLY was conceived to tackle “text debt” – the phenomenon of mentally formulating replies but failing to send them due to distractions or simply forgetting. The goal is to make texting less burdensome while preserving genuine connections.

A Unique Solution for iMessage

While AI-powered smart reply features have existed for almost a decade, implemented by companies like Google, Cantillon points out a lack of similar solutions tailored for iMessage.

RPLY’s iMessage integration goes beyond basic suggestions. It analyzes a user’s complete text history to generate replies that mirror their individual writing style and personality, resulting in more authentic-sounding responses.

Inspired by Inbox Zero and Enhanced Organization

Drawing inspiration from the “Inbox Zero” methodology – a popular system for managing email – RPLY filters out unanswered messages.

It also provides users with a concise overview of outstanding texts, simplifying the process of identifying messages requiring attention. This offers a more efficient alternative to manually scrolling through iMessage.

Cantillon highlights that this unanswered message filter is a surprisingly overlooked feature by Apple.

Tracking Texting Habits with Statistics

The application includes a statistics page that displays the average weekly response time. It also tracks an “inbox zero streak,” indicating the last time a user achieved a completely empty inbox.

To promote awareness of texting behaviors, RPLY presents data such as “Those You Answer Quickest” and “Those You Like to Ghost.”

Testing and Initial Impressions

During testing by TechCrunch, the AI-generated replies were found to be remarkably natural and contextually appropriate. Many recipients were unaware that the responses were not written by a person.

However, some users detected a slight artificiality, particularly with the occasional unnecessary comma after “haha.” The absence of emojis was also noted as an area for improvement.

Early Adoption and Target Audience

RPLY has already garnered significant interest, attracting 1,000 paying users. Cantillon notes that a large proportion of these users work in technology, creative industries, and business.

The app is also aimed at professionals such as founders, recruiters, retail agents, and others who manage high volumes of messages. College students may also find it beneficial.

The Potential Impact on Emotional Connection

The convenience of RPLY raises a crucial question: Could reliance on AI diminish the emotional depth of texting? This concern has surfaced previously with the emergence of generative AI tools.

It’s important to consider whether the ease of AI assistance outweighs the potential loss of heartfelt exchanges.

Privacy Considerations and Data Security

Using the app requires granting permission to access all text messages and contacts. This may raise privacy concerns for some users, as it involves an AI examining personal conversations.

RPLY’s privacy policy states that text content is not used for training general AI models. The company adheres to a “strict zero data retention policy,” meaning data is not stored and is immediately deleted after processing. User data is also not sold to third parties.

For users prioritizing data privacy, RPLY offers a local Llama-based option (utilizing Meta’s AI model). This ensures all text data processing remains entirely on the device, without any data being uploaded.

While AI systems typically require user data to function, it’s crucial to remember that data breaches can occur despite strong security measures. Recent incidents, such as the exposure of a database belonging to Chinese AI company DeepSeek, highlight the ongoing privacy risks.

Platform Availability and Future Plans

Currently, RPLY is exclusively available on macOS devices. Apple’s stringent App Store guidelines likely influenced this decision, making a Mac app a strategic alternative.

Cantillon envisions expanding RPLY’s compatibility to platforms like WhatsApp and Slack in the future. However, challenges and user concerns regarding data sharing with an AI company may arise, particularly within professional environments like Slack.

Pricing and Subscription Details

RPLY operates on a subscription basis, with the base plan costing $30 per month after a 14-day free trial.

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