What is iMessage?
If you’re using your iPad or iPhone and asking yourself a question like “what is iMessage?” odds are you’re a newbie in the world of Apple – a convert from Android – now on the other side. Or maybe you’ve had Apple devices so long the terminology is such second nature that you may not have never asked the simple questions. Where do they come from? Is iMessage actually free?
Fear not! The explanations might be simpler than you think and you’ll find them below.
iMessage vs Text Message
The most common curiosity when it comes to iMessage is how does it differ from a standard text message? The usual misunderstanding is that they are one in the same, and they are not. iMessage is an exclusive instant messaging technology created by Apple, and though its function is similar to a text message and they are composed in the same way on Apple devices, there are distinct differences.
Since the iOS 5 update in 2011, the iMessage has provided an alternative to text messaging that allows iOS and OSX users the ability to send texts, documents, photographs, videos, group videos, and contact information over Wi-Fi, 2g, 3G, or LTE networks. This means that you can send iMessages to and from iPad, iPod touches, iPhone, or Mac device. As long as it has an Apple ID, it’s fair game. Because they are set over a wireless network accessed by your Apple product, your iMessage is sent through Apple servers, whereas a standard text message is delivered via your cell phone carrier (i.e. AT&T, Verizon, etc.).
Your device understands that the difference can be blurry for users, and since iMessages and text messages are all handled from within your Messages application, Apple color coats your messages so that you can know the difference!
As you can see from the above photo examples, it’s color that makes the difference in the case of iMessage vs SMS. On your Apple device, your iMessages will appear highlighted in blue and your text messages will appear highlighted in green.
Is iMessage Free?
What is arguably the biggest and probably most important difference between iMessage and text messaging is the fact that it’s free. Yep – iMessages are unlimited as long as you are connected to one of the aforementioned networks (they use your data plan instead of your SMS allotment).
This means that the text messages you send, which are delivered through your cell phone service provider, could potentially lead to charges on your plan that you’ll have to pay on your bill the next month depending on the data and text message plan you have with your service holder (if you have unlimited SMS, then it’s a moot point, but if you have a plan with a limit on the number of SMS you can send, then this will save you some cash as it won’t deduct from that limited amount). With iMessage you can receive text messages from anything with an Apple ID for free.
iMessage also has the service of read receipts, which SMS does not feature. This mean unless the read receipts are deactivated by the Apple device user (which you can do by accessing your Messages in your Settings), you and the other Apple ID you’re iMessaging will be able to see that each message has been read by its recipient.
Want more tips and tricks for your Apple Device? Be sure to check out our iOS How To’s section for more guidance.
