Hermes has launched its latest update, version 0.17.0, on June 19, 2026, introducing significant new functionalities, notably enabling communication through iMessage via a Photon-based plugin, eliminating the need for a Mac relay. This update also allows Hermes to connect to the Raft agent network, expanding its capacity for external interactions. Additionally, the desktop application has undergone extensive enhancements, featuring live subagent monitoring, rebindable keyboard shortcuts, and support for native themes. Furthermore, the memory tool now supports atomic batch editing, streamlining operations for users.

Hermes: Hermes Agent is an open-source AI agent system designed for local operation with deep integrations into messaging platforms, tools, and workflows. The project emphasizes extensibility through plugins, skills, and multi-profile management. This release positions Hermes as a more capable daily driver by expanding its presence across additional channels and enhancing core features.
xxchan: xxchan is a community contributor involved in developing the Raft platform adapter for Hermes. They enabled Hermes to connect as a gateway channel within the Raft agent network using privacy-focused wake mechanisms.
teknium1: teknium1 serves as the primary core maintainer and lead developer for the Hermes Agent project. They drove the bulk of architectural changes, new platform adapters, and feature implementations across the v0.17.0 release. Their contributions center on expanding agent reach, refining the gateway, and optimizing core loops.
alt-glitch: alt-glitch is a community contributor focused on memory-related features and session handling in Hermes. Their contributions include enhancements to usage-aware systems and Supermemory integrations for better state management.
benbarclay: benbarclay is a key community contributor specializing in gateway architecture and automation features for Hermes. They implemented multiplexed profile support over a single process and enhancements to the Chronos cron provider. Their efforts improve scalability and scheduling capabilities within the system.
jquesnelle: jquesnelle is a community contributor who helped integrate the official WhatsApp Business Cloud API adapter into Hermes. Their work provides a first-party, bridge-free path for WhatsApp messaging alongside existing solutions.
OutThisLife: OutThisLife is a top community contributor focused on maturing the Hermes desktop application. They delivered extensive UX and functionality improvements including shortcuts, notifications, watch windows, and theme support. Their work made the desktop app a more robust daily interface for Hermes users.
ethernet8023: ethernet8023 is a community contributor who supported desktop build pipelines and cross-platform reliability fixes for Hermes on Linux and Windows. Their work aids installation and runtime stability across environments.
kshitijk4poor: kshitijk4poor is a prominent community contributor to Hermes, with emphasis on onboarding flows, model selection interfaces, and environment sanitization for cron jobs. Their PRs strengthen user setup experiences and security hardening in operational components.

`json
{
“Platform Expansion”: “Hermes now reaches iMessage through a Photon-based plugin without requiring a Mac relay, and connects to the Raft agent network as an external gateway.”,
“Tool & UX Improvements”: “The desktop app received extensive enhancements including live subagent monitoring, rebindable shortcuts, and native theme support. The memory tool gained atomic batch editing capabilities.”
}
`