Shopify introduces Apple Business Chat integration for its mobile messaging app

Shopify is integrating the Apple Business Chat platform into its Shopify Ping mobile app, making it possible for merchants to manage their Apple Business Chat communications with customers via Shopify’s platform.

“For the growing number of merchants who are running a business entirely on mobile, this new feature for Shopify Ping will allow you to communicate with your customers on-the-go, access products and inventory, and give real-time support via Messages,” Shopify wrote in the announcement.

Why we should care

Online retailers are looking to give customers options to connect via messaging platforms. With this latest update from Shopify, merchants using the ecommerce solution will be able to manage conversations with customers who use Apple’s Messages app on an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch.

“Our integration with Apple Business Chat will uniquely allow our merchants to establish, maintain and communicate with their customers directly through Messages,” said Shopify’s Director of Product Michael Perry.

Merchants will be able to add a “Messages” button to every page of their online stores with “just a few clicks,” said Shopify. Customers can ask for product information or even purchase products directly within the messaging thread using Apple Pay.

More on the news

• The Apple Business Chat integration is available to all eligible, global Shopify merchants at no additional cost.
• Shopify first introduced Shopify Ping — the company’s iOS messaging app that allows merchants to interact with customers and automate workflows — last year.
• According to a 2018 report from Forrester, customers who engage in conversations with brands are three-times as likely to make a purchase.