DoorDash announced on Wednesday that it is launching a text-to-order AI agent that lets users place food orders through Apple Messages. The tool accepts simple prompts — for example, “order my usual” — and can infer that a user means their typical Friday night order.
How it works
- Users can request a specific dish or ask for a local recommendation; the agent will search nearby restaurants and suggest a cart based on the prompt.
- The AI can send photos of recommended dishes via text messages.
- For group orders, DoorDash says the agent can manage mixed dietary preferences and different quantities within a single order.
Why it matters
By introducing a dedicated AI agent for food ordering, DoorDash aims to gain an edge over competitors such as Uber Eats and Grubhub. The launch aligns with a broader industry push toward personal AI agents that perform tasks without requiring users to open apps or websites themselves.
Availability and related initiatives
DoorDash is opening a waitlist for users in the United States who want to try the new feature. In addition to the AI agent, the company said it will begin testing delivery drones with select restaurants in Northern California.
The announcement was made public on Wednesday; DoorDash may provide further technical details and rollout plans over time.
