Apple has expanded its Business Chat feature internationally, after launching it in the U.S. with iOS 11.3 earlier this year.
The new platform, which allows businesses to provide customer service via iMessage, is now available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, according to MacRumors. Alongside the expansion, a plethora of new brands are jumping on board with the platform, including Lithia Motors in the U.S., carrier Vodafone in Germany, Harvey Norman in Australia, Credit Suisse in Hong Kong and Singapore, and carrier KDDI in Japan, as well as Burberry and NH Hotels across multiple countries.
The feature requires iOS 11.3 or later and lets iPhone and iPad users interact with customer service representatives to get support, schedule appointments, and even make purchases with participating companies directly in the Messages app; users can start a conversation by searching for a business in Maps, Safari, or via Siri and tapping on the Messages bubble if it appears.
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