Apple Is Bringing Its Popular Messaging App to Businesses

http://fortune.com/2017/06/07/apple-businesses-imessage/

Apple could be following in the footsteps of Facebook, bringing business conversations to its popular mobile messaging app, iMessage.

According to a page set up on Apple's developer portal, the company is offering a new tool for businesses to connect with customers directly from iMessage. The new feature, first spotted by TechCrunch, is meant to let businesses chat with customers, provide answers to questions, and complete other customer service requests. Apple also said that businesses can charge customers for services and products using iMessage, possibly using Apple's mobile payments wallet, Apple Pay, to complete transactions.

The Cupertino-based company said it would be revealing more details about the new service during its annual developer conference, WWDC, which is taking place this week in San Jose.