The Evolution of 'Rakuten Link'

The Evolution of 'Rakuten Link'

Rakuten Mobile, Inc. has announced updates to its 'Rakuten Link' app, which has been available since the service officially launched in April 2020. Over the past six years, the app has become more than just a communication tool; it is evolving into an entry point for the Rakuten ecosystem. This article outlines the latest updates, including improved call quality and new features that enhance the appeal of 'Rakuten Link'.

### 1. About 'Rakuten Link' 'Rakuten Link' is a super communication app designed for Rakuten Mobile subscribers. It offers a free domestic calling experience without the need to worry about costs. The main features include: - Unlimited free domestic calls, even to those not using 'Rakuten Link' - Free calls from overseas to Japan - Free message sending and receiving Additionally, it can be used on PCs as well as smartphones. It is the only service in Japan that allows users to make calls and send messages from a PC using their mobile phone number. It also supports diverse use cases such as 'Rakuten Link Office' for businesses and calling via Wi-Fi environments.

### 2. New Updates for 2026 In 2026, 'Rakuten Link' will further improve convenience by significantly enhancing call quality and implementing the full functionality of the 'my Rakuten Mobile' app.

#### Update 1: All 'my Rakuten Mobile' features available! Starting from July, all functions of the 'my Rakuten Mobile' app will be gradually implemented into 'Rakuten Link'. This turns 'Rakuten Link' into a super app where users can manage calls, messages, loyalty points, and contract information all in one place.

#### Update 2: Significant improvement in call quality! Since April 20, 2026 (May 18 for iOS), quality improvements have been underway. Call quality indices have improved by 26% for calls between 'Rakuten Link' users and 16% for calls to other mobile phones or landlines. Furthermore, the reinforcement of noise cancellation functions and reduced call setup times have been achieved, providing a more comfortable calling experience than ever before.

### 3. Integration with the Rakuten Ecosystem 'Rakuten Link' is strengthening its integration with Rakuten Group services: - Home Tab: Quick access to Rakuten services and useful features. - Search Function: Cross-service search across six platforms, including 'Rakuten Ichiba'. - Deals: View a list of various campaigns. - Rakuten AI: A chat-based generative AI that requires no registration and acts as a personal concierge for product recommendations. - Wallet Function: Easily manage 'Rakuten Pay', 'Rakuten Cash', and 'Rakuten Point Card', supporting efficient point accumulation.

'Rakuten Link' contributes significantly to cross-use within the Rakuten ecosystem, with monthly traffic to Rakuten Group services surpassing approximately 50 million in December 2025. Moving forward, it will continue to evolve as a super app, enhancing customer convenience by completing everything from communication to contract management within the app.