IChat
iChat is an instant messaging software application developed by Apple. It allows users to communicate with each other using text, audio, or video chat over the Internet.
chat
video-chat
audio-chat
text-chat
iChat: Instant Messaging Software
iChat is an instant messaging software application developed by Apple. It allows users to communicate with each other using text, audio, or video chat over the Internet.
What is IChat?
iChat is an instant messaging and video conferencing application developed by Apple Inc. It was first released in 2002 for macOS as a replacement for Apple's previous IM application, Ichat AV.
Some key features of iChat include:
- Real-time text, audio, and video chat
- Group messaging with up to 100 people
- End-to-end encryption for enhanced security
- Screen sharing for collaboration
- Supports common IM services and protocols like AIM, Yahoo, Google Talk, Jabber
iChat makes use of Apple's Bonjour zero-configuration networking to automatically detect contacts on the local network. It also integrates with macOS's Address Book to allow users to quickly message their contacts.
Over the years, Apple replaced iChat with more full-featured apps like Messages and FaceTime. But for a time, iChat set the standard for easy and integrated messaging and video chat on the Mac.
IChat Features
Features
- Instant messaging
- Group chats
- Audio calls
- Video calls
- Screen sharing
- File transfers
Pricing
- Free
Pros
Easy to use interface
Integrated with MacOS
End-to-end encryption
Fun emojis and stickers
Cons
Only available on Mac
Limited customization options
No third-party app integrations
The Best IChat Alternatives
Top Social & Communications and Instant Messaging and other similar apps like IChat
Kik
Kik is a popular free instant messaging app developed by Kik Interactive. It was originally released in 2010 for mobile devices and quickly gained traction, especially among teenagers, for its fun features and anonymity.Some key features of Kik include:Free unlimited texting - Users can chat with anyone else on Kik...
FaceFlow
FaceFlow is a video conferencing and online meeting software designed to enable seamless video communication and collaboration. It allows users to have HD video and audio calls with up to 100 participants, share screens, co-annotate on shared screens, and collaborate via a digital whiteboard.Some key features of FaceFlow include:Group video...
Tango
Tango is a popular free voice and video calling app for mobile devices and PCs. It uses Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to enable free calls between Tango users, and low-cost calls to phone numbers around the world.Key features of Tango include:Free high-quality video and voice calls between Tango usersGroup...
Camfrog
Camfrog is a popular freeware video chat platform and software application that enables people to communicate with each other by webcam in chat rooms. It supports one-to-one chats as well as group video chats with thousands of members, allowing large groups to interact via webcam.Key features of Camfrog include:Free to...
Adium
Adium is a free and open source instant messaging application developed specifically for the macOS operating system. It supports many popular chat networks and protocols including AIM, ICQ, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Jabber/XMPP.Some key features of Adium include:A simple and easy-to-use interface that can be extensively customized...
Trillian
Trillian is a popular multi-protocol instant messaging client developed by Cerulean Studios. It enables users to simultaneously use multiple IM services and protocols, including AIM, ICQ, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, IRC, XMPP/Jabber, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, Novell GroupWise Messenger, Lotus Sametime, SILC, SIMPLE, and Zephyr networks all from one application.Some key...
Paltalk
Paltalk is a video chat and instant messaging software and service developed by Paltalk, Inc. It was launched in 1998 and allows users to make voice and video calls, chat via instant messaging, and participate in group video chats and audio conferences via the internet.Some key features of Paltalk include:One-on-one...
Jitsi Desktop
Jitsi Desktop is a free, open source video conferencing application for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. It allows users to easily conduct encrypted video meetings with multiple participants.Some of the key features of Jitsi Desktop include:End-to-end encryption for secure video callsScreen sharing to present documents, slides, and moreChat messaging...
Voxox CloudPhone
Voxox CloudPhone is a feature-rich business phone system delivered through the cloud. It provides all the capabilities of an advanced PBX system including call routing rules, auto attendants, voicemail, IVR menus, call queues, mobile apps, analytics, and more. Some key benefits of Voxox CloudPhone include:Simple setup - No complex hardware...
Psi+
Psi+ is a popular open-source instant messaging application available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It supports a wide range of messaging protocols out of the box including XMPP/Jabber, IRC, Telegram, and more. Some key features of Psi+ include:Supports connecting to multiple accounts simultaneously across different protocolsOffers tabbed chat windows to...
