WWDC 2016: Apple’s improved iMessages system is a tent pole feature within iOS with implications across Apple Watch and the Mac, and while the company insists it has no plans to extend the service to other platforms, I still think doing so is a logical step.

Apple has announced a range of improvements to iMessage, including support for third party apps, emoji and sticker designs. Apps will be made available through an App Store for iMessages.

Some example apps you can do things in while remaining in the iMessage screen include Lyft, Uber and Didi ride hailing, retail and services and third party person to person payment services. (Apple hasn’t yet introduced personal payment services through Apple Pay, likely reflecting that it’s own payment services isn’t yet widely available worldwide. I imagine that will change in future).

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