In the latest update to the Starbucks app for iOS, users who use iMessage will now be able to send gift cards to other users, as well as receive them. This means that if you’re chatting with someone and decide that you want to send them a Starbucks coffee as a gift, you’ll be able to do so right within the app itself and it won’t interrupt your conversation as no app switching is required, although you will need to have the app installed.
Starbucks for iMessage actually debuted last year when Apple revamped its iMessage platform with support for apps. However back then the functionality of the Starbucks app came in the form of stickers, but with this update the app got a lot more functional. In addition to being able to send/receive gift cards, the update also includes new push notifications, an updated mobile ordering review screen, location filters, and more, so hit up the iTunes App Store if you haven’t updated the app already.