An older account record or integration link may still say Business Chat. Updating that label does not complete the account setup. It also does not establish whether an existing conversation flow meets Apple's requirements.

## What should I call the channel?

Use [**Apple Messages for Business**](https://register.apple.com/resources/messages/messaging-documentation/message-with-customers) in customer-facing copy and support responses.

Apple's [channel page](https://register.apple.com/messages) uses that name for business conversations in the Messages app. Keep it consistent across your website, entry-point buttons and agent response templates.

Apple includes incorrect product naming among its [Experience Review](https://register.apple.com/resources/messages/messaging-documentation/xp-review) issues. A working integration can therefore still need copy changes before approval.

## When did Apple rename Business Chat?

Apple records the rebranding on 20 September 2021 in its [documentation revision history](https://register.apple.com/resources/messages/messaging-documentation/doc-rev-history).

That entry dates the documentation change. It does not establish that every business updated its own website, account records or internal instructions on that day.

A document using the old name may retain useful integration details. Its terminology alone does not prove whether a particular setup step still applies.

## Can I still use links that mention Business Chat?

Yes. Existing links that mention Business Chat can still work when they redirect to [Apple's Messages for Business destination](https://register.apple.com/messages). Use that destination when adding a new link.

Apple's old [`developer.apple.com/business-chat/`](https://developer.apple.com/business-chat/) address redirects through Apple Business Register to `register.apple.com/messages`. The old label in a URL therefore does not necessarily mean the destination describes a different product.

Check the final destination before replacing an integration reference. Update the visible link text when customers would otherwise see the old product name.

For account setup, use Apple's [registration flow](https://register.apple.com/resources/messages/messaging-documentation/register-your-acct). A redirected product page does not establish that an old configuration procedure remains correct.

## Did the messaging requirements disappear with the old name?

No. Your business still needs an [approved provider](https://register.apple.com/resources/messages/messaging-documentation/register-your-acct) and [access to live agents](https://register.apple.com/resources/messages/messaging-documentation/policies) during its business hours.

Apple's [messaging policies](https://register.apple.com/resources/messages/messaging-documentation/policies) prohibit unsolicited messages. They also set conditions for account notifications and marketing.

Do not infer that a business can never initiate a conversation from the old channel name. Apple supports [invitation messages](https://register.apple.com/resources/messages/msp-rest-api/) to customers who opted in using their mobile number.

Build the consent handling required for the message you intend to send. Add [customer entry points](/explained/apple-messages/how-do-customers-reach-a-business-from-maps-safari-and-spotlight) for people who want to start the conversation themselves.

## How do I put this into practice with Bird?

For a new [Apple Messages project](/products/apple-messages), prepare the business identity and [provider registration](/docs/guides/apple-messages/registration). For an older integration, confirm the existing provider connection before changing it.

## What should I update before launching or changing a service?

1. Replace Business Chat in customer-facing copy with Apple Messages for Business.
2. Check registration steps against Apple's account setup requirements.
3. Review live-agent coverage and consent handling for the intended conversation flow.
4. Include product naming in the Experience Review copy check.

## Related resources

- [Integrate an Apple Messages customer journey](/docs/guides/apple-messages/api) (docs)
- [What is Apple Messages for Business?](/explained/apple-messages/what-is-apple-messages-for-business) (answer)

[Get an implementation brief](/learn/workspace?topic=apple-messages)