iMessage functionality

Hey guys! I've recently noticed a number of PaaS'es and CPaaS'es offering bulk outgoing messaging using the iMessage the same way it's done with the SMS.

I always thought that iMessage sort of only allowed businesses to send outgoings subject to user contacting their account first (to avoid being spammed). But then there's those I mentioned above.

Have you faced anything like this? Did Apple make changes to the model so that businesses can now initiate conversations with users? If so, how does it work?

iMessage functionality
 
 
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