Apple launched a US only beta of Business Chat with iOS 11.3 in March 2018. While it is still in beta this week it has been expanded to 10 more countries and 30 additional brands.

Business chat is a new messaging feature that allows you to communicate directly with businesses via the messages app. In addition to chatting you can make payments via Apple Pay. You will also have the option to use Business Chat if you find the business with Spotlight Search, Safari or Maps.

Telstra and Harvey Norman seem to be the first in Australia to support Business Chat. Telstra have had 24x7 chat for a while now but you are prompted to "Chat with Messages" if you browse the website on a compatible device (iPhone or iPad running iOS 11.3 or newer).

In addition to Australia Business Chat also launched in Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The following brands are launching today:

Australia

• Telstra (Australia)
• Harvey Norman (Australia)

Worldwide

• Burberry (Worldwide)

Other

• matchesfashion.com (UK)
• NH Hotels (Europe)
• nPower (UK)
• Robins & Day (UK)
• buddybank (Italy)
• Engie (France)
• La Redoute (France)
• AXA Insurance (Switzerland)
• Swisscom (Switzerland)
• Vodafone (Germany)
• Credit Suisse (Hong Kong and Singapore)
• KDDI (Japan)
• 1-800 Contacts (US)
• DIRECTV NOW (US)
• Fairmont Hotels, including the Claremont Club & Spa in Berkeley (US)
• Kimpton Hotels (US)
• FreshlyMall of America (US)
• Macerich malls, including Scottsdale Fashion Square and Santa Monica Place (US)
• Men's Wearhouse (US)
• Jos A. Bank (US)
• Overstock.com (US)
• Quicken Loans (US)
• West Elm (US)
• Hendrick Automotive Group (US)
• Lithia Group (US)
• SnapTravel (US & Canada)

Source: Apple