IChat
| iChat | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Apple Inc. AOL (partial) |
| Initial release | 24 August 2002 |
| Operating system | macOS |
| Successor | Messages FaceTime |
| Type | Instant messaging |
| License | Proprietary |
iChat (previously iChat AV) is a discontinued instant messaging software application developed by Apple Inc. for use on its Mac OS X operating system. It supported instant text messaging over XMPP/Jingle or OSCAR (AIM) protocol, audio and video calling, and screen-sharing capabilities. It also allowed for local network discussion with users discovered through Bonjour protocols.
In OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, iChat was replaced by Messages for chat and FaceTime for video calling.