iMessage is an instant messaging service that is built into the Message app on Apple devices, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. You might wonder how it is different from a Message or text. Well, here is the thing, the notable features and security make iMessage unique from messaging.
The iMessage chat screen appears as blue bubbles, while the text message chat screen appears as green bubbles. Besides, there are many more advanced features that you get with it. Let us find out in this article.
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What is iMessage?
The messaging app on iPhone, iPad and Mac utilizes a unique internet-backed messaging feature which is known as iMessage. iMessage came into existence in 2011 with iOS 5 on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, while on Mac, it came with OS X 10.8 in 2012 as iChat.
Messages through iMessage are sent using the internet, which means the Apple devices having Wifi connections can easily send and receive messages for free. On top of that, you don’t even need a cellphone to use it, just your Apple ID and an Apple device are enough.
Notable features of iMessage
Apple’s iMessage includes plenty of distinct features that attract the Apple device owners as much as it attracted in 2011. Some of the features are:
1. End-to-end encryption
Apple takes special care of privacy and security with all its devices and technologies, including iMessage. The messages sent are encrypted, which means no one, even the Apple owners, can get to know what’s in those messages.
The only way any third person can read those messages is when he/she has access to your Apple ID/password, your unlocked Apple device or the device’s backup. Moreover, you get the option to change the message settings, i.e., it is upon you to choose for how long you want the Message to be present on your device- 30 days, one year, or infinite days.
2. Chatting
The messaging app on iOS, iPad, and Mac supports both iMessage and normal messages. However, if you will ask about how they are both different, here is the thing- The primary difference between iMessage and Message is the colour of the chat bubbles—Blue in the case of iMessage and Green in the case of Message.
Another thing is that iMessage supports easy media sharing options like effects, stickers, apps, etc. When the messages are read, the status will change to “Read” from “Delivered”.
3. Sharing Media
The best part about iMessage is that you can share live photos, videos, animated gifs, etc., through it. Just like WhatsApp, you can share photos or media through the rows of icons below the text box. Moreover, you can also select a photo from the photos app and share it with your iMessage contact from there.
You also get the option to share audio files. However, the audio files get deleted automatically after two minutes of sending, but you can change that setting as per your preference.
4. Filtration and Blocking
The other feature of iMessage includes muting and blocking a contact. When you mute a contact, you won’t receive the message notification from them. To do this, swipe left on the chat through the conversation screen and choose “Hide alerts”.
To block the contact, you need to navigate to their contact info and choose the “Block this contact” option. Besides, there is also the option to report any contact. Suppose you receive an iMessage from an unknown number that you did not like. You can simply Report it as Junk.
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5. Apps and Effects
As mentioned, iMessage is different from Message in terms of its functions and usage. With iOS 10, Apple enhanced the features of iMessage by adding certain things, including stickers, reactions, support for third-party apps, etc.
With the Effects feature, you can send a message with animation to your contacts. Just press the Send button for a long, and you will see a variety of bubble effects and screen effects.
Talking about the apps, you can find them below the text box in iMessage. The default iMessage apps include:
- Photos
- Music
- Apple Pay
- Digital Touch
- Memoji
- App Store
And not just that, you can also play games with your contact in the same chat.
6. Memoji and Animoji
In 2017, Apple introduced the Animoji feature with iPhone X. Animoji are animal characters that can mirror your expression and play your voice using Face ID sensors. Similarly, there is a Memoji feature that does the same thing. However, you can customize your avatar to make it look like you. Additionally, you can also send static Animoji and Memoji stickers.
So, these are some of the notable features that you can see in iMessage. Besides, you can also leverage the benefits of group chats.
Note that both iMessage and SMS are synced to the iCloud. Therefore, these messages get automatically saved on your Apple devices. Moreover, if you choose to delete a Message from one Apple device, it will get deleted from everywhere else too.
Also Read: How To Type Apple Logo On Mac, iPhone or iPad?
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