DoorDash launched a text-to-order AI agent on Wednesday that lets users place food orders directly through Apple Messages. The new tool allows customers to send simple prompts like ordering a usual Friday night meal, requesting specific dishes, or asking for local recommendations based on preferences. The agent searches local restaurants, suggests a cart, texts food photos, and handles mixed dietary preferences and quantities for group orders.
The feature is part of DoorDash's push to gain an advantage over competitors like Uber Eats and Grubhub, joining a broader industry trend toward personal AI agents that manage tasks without requiring users to navigate traditional apps. Alongside the AI agent rollout, DoorDash announced plans to test delivery drones with select restaurants in Northern California and opened a U.S. waitlist for the new texting tool.
This AI agent release matters because it showcases how conversational technology is streamlining everyday consumer commerce and intensifying competition in the food delivery market.