Apple to launch new 'Business Chat' platform later this week

Apple is launching a new chat platform for businesses this week which is expected to compete with Facebook Messenger for Business by allowing companies to interact with customers.

'Business Chat’ was recently announced on Apple’s develop website and the company is expected to discuss it in more detail during a developer session on Friday morning.

The description on the partner website says: “Business Chat is a powerful new way for businesses to connect with customers directly from within Messages”.

"Using Business Chat, your customers can get answers to questions, resolve issues and complete transactions on their iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Customers can find your business and start conversations from Safari, Maps, Spotlight and Siri.”

It’s expected that the company may also use the platform to chat with its own customers.  It expected that the new product will allow customers to reach out to a businesses to discuss support, product returns and more, instead of having to call, similar to Facebook Messenger.

The develop session kicks off on Friday at 10am, Pacific Time.