This story is from October 1, 2026. For the latest, see today's news.
Photon, a startup building tools for , has raised $4.5 million in new funding. The company helps developers create agents that operate through everyday messaging channels like iMessage, SMS, RCS and email rather than requiring users to download standalone apps.
The funding supports Photon's bet that consumers will increasingly interact with AI agents through familiar communication tools instead of installing new mobile applications. The startup recently marked the moment with a symbolic "funeral" for mobile apps, signaling its belief that agent-based interfaces could eventually replace much of today's app ecosystem.
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