Apple revamps iMessage, introduces integrated communication platform 'Business Chat'

Tech giant Apple unveiled Business Chat, an interactive communication platform incorporated with customer service and shopping on its previous platform, iMessage.

Launched at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference on Friday, the new feature is said to be a competitor to Facebook Messenger, as reported by TechCrunch.

Implemented on iOS 11, this new update lets users open an iMessage window from Safari, Maps, Spotlight, or Siri, and start a conversation with a business. Apart from basic chat services, Business Chat offers options to perform other tasks such as scheduling appointments, meetings and even choose airline seats without logging into any separate platform.

Developers of the new platform are also looking for further integrations and updates on the feature in collaboration with customer service providers.