Top 10: iOS Messengers for business

Updated: July 31, 2023

iOS messengers refer to messaging applications that are specifically designed for Apple's iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads. These messengers allow users to exchange text messages, photos, videos, and other multimedia content with other iOS users in real-time. Some popular iOS messengers include iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. iMessage is Apple's native messaging app that works exclusively on iOS devices and offers features like end-to-end encryption and seamless integration with other iOS apps. WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are third-party messengers that are available on both iOS and Android platforms, offering cross-platform compatibility and a wide range of features, including group chats, voice calls, and video calls. iOS messengers provide a convenient and efficient way for iOS users to stay connected, share information, and communicate with friends, family, and colleagues globally. Some of the most popular messengers for iOS are listed below.

See also: Top 10 Business Messaging platforms

2019. WhatsApp’s Business app came to the iPhone



The WhatsApp Business app, previously available only for Android, has now been launched for iPhone users as well. This iOS version offers small business owners a convenient way to connect with their customers on smartphones. It provides various features, such as the ability to create detailed profiles with descriptions, email addresses, physical addresses, and website links. Additionally, the app offers messaging tools for efficient customer communication, including automated greetings, quick replies, and away messages. Furthermore, businesses can access WhatsApp Business from their desktop computers, which now include tools for chat organization, message filtering, and quick replies. As of January, WhatsApp had reported having 5 million business customers. The company generates revenue by charging Business API customers with high volumes of incoming messages.


2018. iMessage adds Google Search



Google Search is now accessible within iMessage. In an effort to enhance the integration of Google's search engine on iOS devices, the company has introduced an iMessage extension for its Search app on iOS. This extension enables iPhone and iPad users to perform web searches and seamlessly share the search results within their iMessage conversations. With the iMessage extension from Google, users can enter a query in the search box or choose from various search categories such as Weather, Food, Nearby (venues/businesses), Trending (news), or Videos. Each search result includes a "Share" button, which, upon selection, adds the corresponding item as a card directly into the ongoing iMessage conversation. When the recipient interacts with the card, they will be directed to the respective Google search result.


2017. Telegram adds unsend feature



The popular messaging app Telegram has introduced a new feature called "unsend," allowing users to retrieve or delete messages within a two-day timeframe after sending them. In a similar move, the secure messenger Signal also recently incorporated an ephemeral messaging feature back in October, primarily focusing on maintaining tidiness rather than emphasizing privacy. Telegram's unsend functionality is applicable to both one-to-one and group messaging scenarios but must be utilized within the 48-hour window. The intention behind this feature is to provide users with a way to address "morning after messaging regret" by enabling them to erase content they wish they had never expressed.


2016. WeChat launched Enterprise version



The Chinese messaging platform WeChat has introduced its latest offering, WeChat Enterprise, a free office chat application. Currently, it is exclusively available in Chinese and can be accessed through iOS, Android, Windows, and OS X apps. WeChat Enterprise incorporates various features that will be familiar to users of business chat applications, along with some noteworthy innovations. This service has the potential to replace group emails and facilitate seamless and efficient communication among colleagues. Additionally, it offers convenient add-ons such as the ability for employees to indicate their break times, conduct group voice/text chats, and allows companies to incorporate specific functionalities like automated forms for expense reimbursements, vacation requests, and similar tasks.