Skye is an iPhone app still in private testing that wants to change the way people interact with AI on their smartphones. And even before its launch, the device has already garnered interest online, from investors and from “tens of thousands” of users, a sign that consumers may want a more AI-conscious iPhone, according to the developer.
The startup is working on designing an “agent home screen” for the iPhone, using iOS widgets as an interface instead of launching an app or talking to an AI chatbot.
Through these widgets, Skye brings a type of ambient intelligence to your device, providing personalized insights about local weather, current conditions, health status, and more, according to a post by the creator named signüll from X. The app can also draft email responses, help you prepare for meetings, send reminders, and flag suspicious charges in your bank account. Its creators also claim that they can provide location-specific recommendations and additional information about local businesses, neighborhoods, and attractions while you’re on the go.
Much of this data is ingested through authorized connections granted by the user.
The app is being built by a small team at startup Signull Labs and has already attracted the attention of investors, even though it’s not yet publicly available.
The startup raised more than $3.58 million in pre-seed funding in a round that closed in September 2025, according to SEC filings. Pitchbook also currently lists New York-based Signull Labs’ funding and post-money valuation of $19.5 million.
Since announcing the startup’s plans for X, signüll, whose name was identified by TechCrunch as Nirav Savjani, claims the app has added “tens of thousands” of users to its waiting list, according to SEC filings and other documents. If this metric is accurate, it would indicate strong consumer interest in a more AI-focused iPhone. (And potentially, there could also be opportunities with new types of AI devices, like the rumored OpenAI smartphone.)
TechCrunch spoke with Signur, who spoke in detail about the product and funding on the condition that his pseudonym be maintained. TechCrunch declined because Signull’s name is publicly listed in the SEC filing establishing Signull Labs. (TechCrunch said he would be happy to publish the interview once he is ready to go on the record.)
The founder said that while he doesn’t have an obvious presence on LinkedIn, he previously worked at Google and Meta. He also told TechCrunch that Skye’s early backers included a16z (Andreessen Horowitz), True Ventures, SV Angel, and other individuals. It turns out that Offline Ventures also lists Signull Labs in its online portfolio.
Since Skye’s announcement, Subjani has appeared as his own avatar on the TBPN podcast and posted to X about how to use the app.
He told TechCrunch that the Skye app will soon be on a waiting list for users, but he declined to provide further details.
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