Messages (Apple)

{{Short description|Instant messaging software application}} {{About|the app|the instant messaging service|iMessage}} {{Infobox software | name = Messages | logo = iMessage logo.svg | logo size = 120px | screenshot = Messages iOS 17.PNG | developer = Apple | released = {{Unbulleted list | '''iOS''': {{Unbulleted list | {{Start date and age|2007|6|29}} (as Text) | {{Start date and age|2009|6|17}} (as Messages) }} | '''macOS''': {{Start date and age|2012|7|25}} | '''watchOS''': {{Start date and age|2015|4|24}} | '''visionOS''': {{Start date and age|2024|2|2}} }} | latest preview version = | latest preview date =  | operating system = {{hlist | iOS | iPadOS | watchOS | macOS | visionOS}} | replaces = iChat (macOS) | size = | genre = Instant messaging | license = Freeware | website =  }} {{macOS topics}}

'''Messages''' is a text messaging software application developed by Apple for its macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS operating systems.

All versions of Messages support Apple's own iMessage and Apple Messages for Business services, while the mobile version of Messages on iOS{{snd}}used on iPhone and cellular-enabled models of the iPad{{snd}}also supports SMS, MMS, and RCS in iOS 18.<ref name="rcs">{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Allison |date=2024-06-10 |title=Apple is bringing RCS to the iPhone in iOS 18 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/10/24171315/apple-messages-rcs-ios-18-imessage-green-bubble |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=2024-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610174135/https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/10/24171315/apple-messages-rcs-ios-18-imessage-green-bubble |url-status=live }}</ref> Users can tell the difference between messages sent via carrier messaging (SMS/MMS/RCS) and messages sent over iMessage or Apple Messages for Business by the bubble color. The bubbles will appear either green for carrier messaging (SMS/MMS/RCS), blue for iMessage, or dark gray for Apple Messages for Business.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chance |first=Miller |date=16 November 2023 |title=RCS messages will use green bubbles, Apple confirms |url=https://9to5mac.com/2023/11/16/apple-confirms-rcs-messages-will-have-green-bubbles/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 June 2024 |work=9to5Mac |archive-date=18 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118203335/https://9to5mac.com/2023/11/16/apple-confirms-rcs-messages-will-have-green-bubbles/ }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/104972 |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=Apple Support |language=en |archive-date=2024-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614051700/https://support.apple.com/en-us/104972 |url-status=live }}</ref>

First released in 2007, the mobile version was known as Text prior to iPhone OS 3, while the desktop Messages application replaced iChat as the native OS X instant messaging client with the release of OS X Mountain Lion in 2012,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/12/02/16/apple_unveils_mac_os_x_108_mountain_lion_coming_this_summer.html|title=Apple Unveils Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion Coming this Summer|author=AppleInsider Staff|publisher=AppleInsider|date=February 16, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117155429/https://appleinsider.com/articles/12/02/16/apple_unveils_mac_os_x_108_mountain_lion_coming_this_summer.html|url-status=live}}</ref> bringing additional support for iMessage and FaceTime integration.

== Supported messaging services and protocols == Messages supports the iMessage, Apple Messages for Business, SMS and MMS protocols, and, as of iOS 18, Rich Communication Services (RCS) is also supported.<ref name="rcs"/> Messages that are sent via SMS, MMS, or RCS appear in green bubbles, while messages sent via iMessage appear in blue bubbles, and messages sent via Apple Messages for Business appear in dark gray bubbles.

==iOS and iPadOS versions== {{Rewrite section|date=October 2024}} The Text app debuted on iPhone OS 1.0 as a built-in app.

In iPhone OS 1.1.3, the ability to send messages to multiple numbers was added.

iPhone OS 2.1 added the ability to repeat message notifications up to two times.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2008/09/apple-releases-iphone-os-2-1/ | title=Apple releases iPhone OS 2.1 | date=12 September 2008 }}</ref>

With iPhone OS 3.0 on June 17, 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2009/06/16/iphone-30-guide/|title=iPhone OS 3.0 Released: What You Should Know|author=Ben Parr|date=June 16, 2009|publisher=Mashable|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312042659/http://mashable.com/2009/06/16/iphone-30-guide/|url-status=live}}</ref> the Text application was renamed Messages, due to the addition of MMS protocol support, in addition to the previously available SMS protocol.<ref name="iphone_os_3_0_press_release">{{cite press release |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2009/03/17Apple-Previews-Developer-Beta-of-iPhone-OS-3-0/ |title=Apple Previews Developer Beta of iPhone OS 3.0 |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=March 17, 2009 |access-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-date=November 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125092221/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2009/03/17Apple-Previews-Developer-Beta-of-iPhone-OS-3-0/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The original iPhone did not receive support for MMS, citing hardware limitations.<ref name="iphone_os_3_0_press_release"/> Messages also gained support for sharing contacts using the vCard standard. Other changes included support for copy and paste, and the ability to forward or delete multiple messages at a time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/1139438/iphone30user.html|title=Cut and paste, MMS highlight iPhone 3.0 improvements|author=Peter Cohen|publisher=Macworld|date=March 17, 2009|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428105531/https://www.macworld.com/article/1139438/iphone30user.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Messages received minor improvements in iOS 4. Among the new features was the ability to search within text messages, much like the search feature in Mail. It also added support for displaying a character count to notify when one had gone over the standard SMS character limit.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2010/04/08Apple-Previews-iPhone-OS-4/ |title=Apple Previews iPhone OS 4 |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=April 8, 2010 |access-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-date=November 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130053153/https://www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2010/04/08Apple-Previews-iPhone-OS-4/ |url-status=live }}</ref> iOS 4.0 also included support for a red exclamation mark to appear on the app's icon to warn failure to send a message.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/5568954/the-complete-guide-to-using-ios-4|title=The Complete Guide to Using iOS 4|author1=Jason Chen|author2=Rosa Golijan|date=June 20, 2010|publisher=Gizmodo|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=December 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211195839/http://gizmodo.com/5568954/the-complete-guide-to-using-ios-4|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ios_4_walkthrough">{{cite web|url=http://www.imore.com/ios-4-walkthrough|title=iOS 4 walkthrough|author=Rene Ritchie|publisher=iMore|date=June 14, 2010|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=July 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731065108/http://www.imore.com/ios-4-walkthrough|url-status=live}}</ref> Developers were provided with a new API that allowed them to add embedded messaging functionality to their apps.<ref name="ios_4_walkthrough"/>

iMessage support was added with iOS 5 on October 12, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/apple-ios-5-release-guide-200-new-features-322508|title=Apple iOS 5 Release: A Guide to the 200 New Features|author=Dave Smith|work=International Business Times|date=October 10, 2011|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809181234/https://www.ibtimes.com/apple-ios-5-release-guide-200-new-features-322508|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ios_6_press_release">{{cite press release |url=https://www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2011/06/06New-Version-of-iOS-Includes-Notification-Center-iMessage-Newsstand-Twitter-Integration-Among-200-New-Features/ |title=New Version of iOS Includes Notification Center, iMessage, Newsstand, Twitter Integration Among 200 New Features |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919173602/https://www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2011/06/06New-Version-of-iOS-Includes-Notification-Center-iMessage-Newsstand-Twitter-Integration-Among-200-New-Features/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The iPhone supported SMS, MMS and iMessage, while the iPad and iPod touch only supported iMessage. With iMessage, users could send text, picture messages and contacts over WiFi or 3G to other iOS 5 devices without using their carrier quota. In addition, a user could start their conversation on one device and continue on another. Messages also introduced typing indication, delivery and read receipts.<ref name="ios_6_press_release"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-20118920-37/apple-ios-5-review-modest-but-definitely-worthwhile/|title=Apple iOS 5 review: Modest, but definitely worthwhile|author=Jason Parker|publisher=CNET|date=October 12, 2011|access-date=February 12, 2013}}</ref> With the introduction of Notification Center, new SMS, and MMS notifications could now be seen on the lock screen or by pulling down the Notification Center, in addition to iMessage notifications.

iOS 6 improved syncing between multiple devices. iPod touch and iPad users could now use their iPhone phone numbers to send or receive iMessages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/6/11/3078598/ios-6-unified-apple-id-phone-number|title=iOS 6 unifies your Apple ID and phone number for improved iMessage and Facetime support|author=Nathan Ingraham|publisher=The Verge|date=June 11, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=February 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208120418/http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/11/3078598/ios-6-unified-apple-id-phone-number|url-status=live}}</ref> Earlier, iPhone users could not receive iMessages sent to their phone number on iPad or iPod touch. Users could now add additional emails to receive and send messages on any device.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/2013683/how-to-set-up-your-addresses-in-messages.html|title=How to set up your addresses in Messages|author=Glenn Fleishman|publisher=Macworld|date=November 9, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2012|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312042017/http://www.macworld.com/article/2013683/how-to-set-up-your-addresses-in-messages.html|url-status=live}}</ref> iOS 6 also added a Share button on apps like Safari and Photos, which enabled users to share links and photos using SMS/MMS or iMessage without leaving the app.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/2010152/hands-on-with-ios-6-social-and-sharing.html|title=Hands on with iOS 6: Social and sharing|author=Lex Friedman|publisher=Macworld|date=September 20, 2012|access-date=February 13, 2013|archive-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823212445/https://www.macworld.com/article/2010152/hands-on-with-ios-6-social-and-sharing.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Messages gained a redesigned user interface in iOS 7. The ability to see a message post date by swiping from right to left was also added.

In iOS 7.1, the logo was slightly modified.

In iOS 8, users can send audio and video messages by holding down a new recording icon. In group conversations, users can remove/add someone to a thread, name a thread, share their location in a thread, view all attachments, and turn on Do Not Disturb to not receive notifications from a specific thread.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.idownloadblog.com/2014/06/02/ios-8-improves-group-messaging-on-imessage/ | title=iOS 8 improves messaging on iMessage | publisher=iDownloadBlog | date=2 June 2014 | access-date=5 June 2014 | author=Rossignol, Joe | archive-date=10 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210223744/http://www.idownloadblog.com/2014/06/02/ios-8-improves-group-messaging-on-imessage/ | url-status=live }}</ref> As a part of the new continuity feature, users can now use their iPhones as a relay to send and receive SMS and MMS messages on Macs and iPads.

In iOS 9, the app received a redesigned overlay when sending an audio clip, as well as seeing contact photos in list view on iPhone 6 or later,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} the user can also search for text and have that text be highlighted (and scrolled).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/2015/09/17/10-more-hidden-features-in-ios.html|title=10 more hidden features in iOS 9|last=Epstein|first=Zach|date=September 17, 2015|website=Fox News|publisher=Fox Entertainment Group|access-date=March 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327081731/http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2015/09/17/10-more-hidden-features-in-ios.html|archive-date=March 27, 2017}}</ref>

In iOS 10, the app gained its own App Store allowing the user to download third-party apps that allow users to send stickers and play games within the app.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/iosapps/best-imessage-games-apps-stickers-great-messages-apps-for-ios-10-3646423/|title=The 10 best games, apps and stickers for iMessage in iOS 10|last=Painter|first=Lewis|newspaper=Macworld UK|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-01-08|archive-date=2017-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108191653/http://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/iosapps/best-imessage-games-apps-stickers-great-messages-apps-for-ios-10-3646423/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also received new visual effects, for example, chat bubbles with a "loud" or "gentle" effect.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/6/13/11923988/apple-overhauls-messages-with-new-emoji-features-and-app-drawer|title=Apple overhauls Messages with new emoji features and app drawer|last=Brandom|first=Russell|date=2016-06-13|website=The Verge|access-date=2017-01-08|archive-date=2016-12-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203164209/http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/13/11923988/apple-overhauls-messages-with-new-emoji-features-and-app-drawer|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/best-new-features-ios-10-apple-160936429.html|title=The 7 best new features of iOS 10|access-date=2017-01-08|archive-date=2017-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119022548/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/best-new-features-ios-10-apple-160936429.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In iOS 11, the app on the iPhone X introduced face-tracking emoji called "Animoji" (animated emoji), using Face ID.<ref>{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Warren |title=Apple announces Animoji, animated emoji for iPhone X |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/12/16290210/new-iphone-emoji-animated-animoji-apple-ios-11-update |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=September 12, 2017 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928182447/https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/12/16290210/new-iphone-emoji-animated-animoji-apple-ios-11-update |archive-date=September 28, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> A new app drawer for iMessage was also added, and aims to simplify the experience of using apps and stickers, and an optimized storage system reduces the backup size of messages. The logo was also updated.

By the time of the iOS 11 release in September 2017, the feature was not present, having been removed in an earlier beta version, with Apple announcing the feature as "coming this fall with an update to iOS 11".<ref>{{cite web |first=Zac |last=Hall |title=Apple Pay Cash payment feature won't ship in time for iOS 11 and watchOS 4 launch |url=https://9to5mac.com/2017/09/18/apple-pay-cash-late-fees/ |website=9to5Mac |date=September 18, 2017 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014034805/https://9to5mac.com/2017/09/18/apple-pay-cash-late-fees/ |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> It was launched a few days after the iOS 11.2 update went live, although initially only available in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |first=Chaim |last=Gartenberg |title=Apple Pay Cash is rolling out for iOS 11.2 users |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/4/16734154/apple-pay-cash-ios-iphone-update-available-now |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=December 4, 2017 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204213850/https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/4/16734154/apple-pay-cash-ios-iphone-update-available-now |archive-date=December 4, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Brian |last=Heater |title=Apple Pay Cash starts rolling out to iPhone users in the US |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/12/04/apple-pay-cash-starts-rolling-out-to-iphone-users-in-the-u-s/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=Oath Inc. |date=December 4, 2017 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205015032/https://techcrunch.com/2017/12/04/apple-pay-cash-starts-rolling-out-to-iphone-users-in-the-u-s/ |archive-date=December 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

The Messages app added a "Business Chat" feature for users to communicate directly with businesses through the app. It was later renamed "Apple Messages for Business." <ref>{{cite web |first=Juli |last=Clover |title=iOS 11 to Bring 'Business Chat' to Apple's Messages App |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/05/ios-11-business-chat-feature/ |website=MacRumors |date=June 5, 2017 |access-date=June 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708124503/https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/05/ios-11-business-chat-feature/ |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Chance |last=Miller |title=iOS 11 to include new Business Chat feature for communicating w/ brands in Messages |url=https://9to5mac.com/2017/06/05/business-chat-ios-11-feature/ |website=9to5Mac |date=June 5, 2017 |access-date=June 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606050708/https://9to5mac.com/2017/06/05/business-chat-ios-11-feature/ |archive-date=June 6, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> This can be accessed through various "entry points," including message buttons on a business's web site, tapping on phone numbers of a registered businesses, scanning QR codes, tapping on message buttons in a business's iOS app, and others.<ref>{{cite web |first=Tim |last=Hardwick |title=Apple Launches Business Chat in iOS 11 Developer Preview |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/10/apple-business-chat-ios-11-developer-preview/ |website=MacRumors |date=June 10, 2017 |access-date=June 10, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610115403/https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/10/apple-business-chat-ios-11-developer-preview/ |archive-date=June 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, this feature was not included with the initial release of iOS 11 (instead launching with iOS 11.3).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/heres-how-to-talk-to-businesses-using-imessage-on-ios-11-3/|title=Apple Business Chat on iMessage: Everything you need to know|date=2018-03-30|work=CNET|access-date=2018-04-26|language=en|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426141230/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/heres-how-to-talk-to-businesses-using-imessage-on-ios-11-3/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The application gained the ability to synchronize messages across iOS and macOS through iCloud, reflecting message deletion across devices.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Nick |last1=Statt |first2=Micah |last2=Singleton |title=Apple brings iMessage to iCloud |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/5/15732262/apple-imessage-update-announced-new-features-wwdc-2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=June 5, 2017 |access-date=June 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605190424/https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/5/15732262/apple-imessage-update-announced-new-features-wwdc-2017 |archive-date=June 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> This feature was temporarily removed in the fifth beta release and returned on May 29, 2018, when iOS 11.4 was released. At the time of the iOS 11 announcement in June 2017, Apple presented functionality letting users send person-to-person payments with Apple Pay through Messages.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mitchel |last=Broussard |title=Apple Pay Gaining Person-to-Person Payments Within Messages in iOS 11 |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/05/apple-pay-person-payments/ |website=MacRumors |date=June 5, 2017 |access-date=June 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715022151/https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/05/apple-pay-person-payments/ |archive-date=July 15, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Fitz |last=Tepper |title=You can now send your friends money inside iMessage |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/05/you-can-now-send-your-friends-money-inside-imessage/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=June 5, 2017 |access-date=June 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605183333/https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/05/you-can-now-send-your-friends-money-inside-imessage/ |archive-date=June 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Sean |last=O'Kane |title=iOS 11 lets you send and receive money via iMessage with Apple Pay |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/5/15731034/apple-pay-iphone-payments-venmo-update-announced-wwdc-2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=June 5, 2017 |access-date=June 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605192651/https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/5/15731034/apple-pay-iphone-payments-venmo-update-announced-wwdc-2017 |archive-date=June 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In iOS 12, a new type of customizable Animoji called "Memoji" was introduced, which allows a user to create a 3D character of themselves. There are also new Koala, Tiger, Ghost, and T-Rex Animojis, while new text and GIF effects similar to those found on other social media applications and the performance of the app was increased.

In iOS 13, user profiles can be created and Memoji can be used as an iMessage profile picture. All iOS devices with an A9 processor or newer can create custom Memoji.

In iOS 13.2, the ability for Siri to announce Messages was added.

In iOS 14, users could now pin up to nine individual conversations above other message threads.<ref>{{cite web|last=Potuck|first=Michael|date=2020-07-10|title=How to pin text messages on iPhone in iOS 14|url=https://9to5mac.com/2020/07/10/how-to-pin-text-messages-iphone-ios-14|access-date=2020-10-10|website=9to5Mac|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017010848/https://9to5mac.com/2020/07/10/how-to-pin-text-messages-iphone-ios-14/|url-status=live}}</ref> Group chats using iMessage may be given a custom image, a Memoji, or an emoji. Users may now mention other users, and change notification settings to only be notified when explicitly mentioned. Messages may be replied to with inline replies, allowing for simultaneous conversation threads and see the replies in the general conversation or as a separate thread. SMS filter: third-party apps that filter unwanted SMS from unknown senders can show the custom categories with which they classify these messages (e.g. transactions, promotions, spam) directly in the Messages app.

In iOS 15, a new feature called "Shared with You" was added, which organizes links and other content shared through Messages in a dedicated section in their native apps for later viewing.

In iOS 15.2, automated blurring was added to iMessages of photos containing explicit content sent to underage users. The feature relies on scanning the photos on the device and can optionally be set to alert the underage user's parents if explicit material is received. The feature was originally launched only for the US with a later expansion to the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The feature remains regionally restricted for the rest of the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/13/22828226/apple-ios-15-2-iphone-update-digital-legacy-music-macro-app-privacy|title=Apple releases iOS 15.2 with App Privacy Report, Digital Legacy, and more|last=Clark|first=Mitchell|date=13 December 2021|website=TheVerge|access-date=21 April 2022|archive-date=April 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421140431/https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/13/22828226/apple-ios-15-2-iphone-update-digital-legacy-music-macro-app-privacy|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/21/23035183/ios-messages-communication-safety-nudity-sexually-explicit-message-blurring|title=Apple's nudity-blurring Messages feature gets international release|last=Porter|first=Jon|date=21 April 2022|website=The Verge|access-date=21 April 2022|archive-date=April 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421140431/https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/21/23035183/ios-messages-communication-safety-nudity-sexually-explicit-message-blurring|url-status=live}}</ref>

In iOS 16, a few new features were added. Sent messages can now be edited within 15 minutes and can be deleted within 2 minutes. SharePlay is now available in the Messages app to watch a movie or listen to music with friends, without requiring them to make a FaceTime call. The ability to recover deleted messages for up to 30 days was added. The ability to invite someone to work on a project, so that every time someone edits a shared document, the user receives updates in a thread of the Messages app. It works with iOS apps such as Files, Keynote, Numbers, Pages, Notes, Reminders, Safari, and third-party apps designed to take advantage of this Collaboration feature. On audio messages previously sent or received, users can swipe with the finger on the sound wave graph to position at the exact point. The Ability to report SMS/MMS junk to carriers was also added.

In iOS 17, there is a new "Check In" feature which allows the user to pick a location and Check In notifies the contact once the user reaches the destination safely. If the user stops moving towards the destination and does not respond to prompts, the user's location, route, and battery level are automatically shared with the contact. The contact otherwise has no access to the user's location, and this information is end-to-end encrypted.

On February 21, 2024, Apple announced that they were going to upgrade the iMessage protocol with a new post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) protocol called "PQ3."<ref name=apple-pq3-blog>{{cite web| url = https://security.apple.com/blog/imessage-pq3| title = iMessage with PQ3: The new state of the art in quantum-secure messaging at scale| author = Apple Security Engineering and Architecture (SEAR)| date = February 21, 2024| website = Apple Security Research| access-date = 2024-02-22| publisher = Apple Inc.| quote = With compromise-resilient encryption and extensive defenses against even highly sophisticated quantum attacks, PQ3 is the first messaging protocol to reach what we call Level 3 security — providing protocol protections that surpass those in all other widely deployed messaging apps.| archive-date = July 16, 2024| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240716161455/https://security.apple.com/blog/imessage-pq3| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/21/apple-announces-imessage-security-upgrade/| title = Apple Announces 'Groundbreaking' New Security Protocol for iMessage| first = Joe| last = Rossignoi| date = February 21, 2024| website = MacRumors| access-date = 2024-02-22| archive-date = February 23, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223060059/https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/21/apple-announces-imessage-security-upgrade/| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://9to5mac.com/2024/02/21/imessage-quantum-security-ios-17-4/| title = Apple launching quantum computer protection for iMessage with iOS 17.4, here's what that means| first = Michael| last = Potuck| date = February 21, 2024| website = 9to5Mac| access-date = 2024-02-22| archive-date = July 16, 2024| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240716162458/https://9to5mac.com/2024/02/21/imessage-quantum-security-ios-17-4/| url-status = live}}</ref> Apple stated that, although quantum computers don't exist yet, they wanted to mitigate risks from future quantum computers as well as so-called "Harvest now, decrypt later" attack scenarios. Apple stated that they believe their PQ3 implementation provides protections that "surpass those in all other widely deployed messaging apps." Furthermore, because, according to Apple, there is no standard on security properties for messaging security levels that allow for easy comparison, Apple decided to create their own definitions consisting of 4 levels between 0 and 3. On this scale, Apple considers its PQ3 protocol to reach what Apple calls "Level 3 security". The main differentiator of PQ3, compared to other PQC protocols, is that PQ3 utilizes ongoing keying.<ref name=apple-pq3-blog /> Apple rolled out PQ3 with the public release of iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4 and watchOS 10.4, stating that “iMessage conversations between devices that support PQ3 are automatically ramping up to the post-quantum encryption protocol” and that PQ3 "will fully replace the existing protocol within all supported conversations [in 2024]."<ref name=apple-pq3-blog />

In iOS 18, RCS support was added.<ref name="rcs" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Espósito |first=Filipe |date=2024-07-08 |title=RCS on iPhone rolling out to more carriers with iOS 18 beta 3 |url=https://9to5mac.com/2024/07/08/rcs-iphone-more-carriers-ios-18-beta-3/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722143905/https://9to5mac.com/2024/07/08/rcs-iphone-more-carriers-ios-18-beta-3/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Messages sent with RCS appear in green, and a label denoting that the message is being sent with RCS is visible in the composer box. The logo was also updated. Users can also have artificial intelligence make emojis for them, called Genmoji.

In iOS 26, the Messages app received a design overhaul, along with other first party apps with Liquid Glass, as well as features like backgrounds, polls, live translation, message filtering and selecting a portion of a text. Backgrounds set can be seen and changed by everyone.

==watchOS version== Apple Watches can send and receive SMS and MMS messages through a paired iPhone, while iMessages can be sent and received over Wi-Fi without a paired iPhone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205547|title=Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby|website=Apple Support|language=en|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-date=2020-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008125536/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205547|url-status=live}}</ref> As the Apple Watch has no keyboard, users can respond to messages using preset replies or text transcribed by Siri. Apple Watch can also send emojis, audio recordings, and hand-drawn "scribbles".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imore.com/how-use-messages-apple-watch|title=Check those messages on your Apple Watch too|date=2019-08-17|website=iMore|language=en|access-date=2019-11-09|archive-date=2019-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109093304/https://www.imore.com/how-use-messages-apple-watch|url-status=live}}</ref>

== visionOS version == Launched on the Apple Vision Pro on February 2, 2024, the Vision Pro comes with the Messages app pre-installed, allowing users on visionOS to send and receive messages, emojis, stickers, and media with the iMessage protocol, just as they can on iOS or macOS. Users can create messages with their voice, a virtual keyboard, or a Bluetooth connected keyboard.

== macOS version == Messages was announced for OS X as a beta application on February 16, 2012 for Macs running Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/messages-beta-now-available/|title=Messages Beta now available for Mac OS X Lion|author=Tim Stevens|publisher=Engadget|date=February 16, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=November 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117202034/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/messages-beta-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref> The stable release of Messages was released on July 25, 2012 with OS X Mountain Lion, replacing iChat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/7/24/3184569/apple-os-x-mountain-lion-availability-july-25|title=Apple announces OS X Mountain Lion will be released on Wednesday|author=Chris Welch|publisher=The Verge|date=July 24, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=December 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206230014/https://www.theverge.com/2012/7/24/3184569/apple-os-x-mountain-lion-availability-july-25|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to supporting Apple's new iMessage protocol, Messages retained its support for AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk and Jabber.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/07/os-x-10-8/8/#messages|title=OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion: the Ars Technica review|author=John Siracusa|publisher=Ars Technica|date=July 25, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312045010/https://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/07/os-x-10-8/8/#messages|url-status=live}}</ref>

Messages uses the newly added Notification Center to notify the user of incoming messages. The introduction of a new Share button in applications like Safari, Finder and Preview gave users the ability to share links to webpages, photos, and files.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/1167854/up_close_with_mountain_lion_sharing.html|title=Up close with Mountain Lion: Sharing|author=Dan Moren|publisher=Macworld|date=July 25, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312041316/http://www.macworld.com/article/1167854/up_close_with_mountain_lion_sharing.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Messages also supported dragging and dropping files and photos for sharing. It also supports video calling through Apple's FaceTime and the third-party IM services it supports.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/mac-os-x-messages-features/|title=A Look Into: Messages – New IChat For Mac OS X Mountain Lion|author=Alvaris Falcon|date=17 February 2012|publisher=Hongkiat|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312035835/http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/mac-os-x-messages-features/|url-status=live}}</ref>

With the release of OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.2, Messages gained the ability to send and receive iMessages using an iPhone phone number.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tidbits.com/article/13275|title=Use Your iPhone's Number with Messages in OS X 10.8.2|author=Glenn Fleishman|newspaper=TidBITS|date=September 19, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=July 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702035332/http://tidbits.com/article/13275|url-status=live}}</ref>

OS X Mavericks added the ability to respond to messages from the Notification Center.

OS X Mavericks 10.9.2 added the option to block users in iMessage.

Messages received a major redesign in OS X Yosemite, following the flat design aesthetic. As a part of the new Continuity feature, users can send and receive SMS and MMS messages through paired iPhones running iOS 8 or later.

OS X El Capitan added multi-touch gestures to the app that allows a user to delete or mark emails or conversations by swiping a finger on a multi-touch device, such as a trackpad. OS X also analyzes the contents of individual emails in Mail and uses the gathered information in other applications, such as Calendar. For example, an invitation in Mail can automatically be added as a Calendar event.

The Messages app gained a few new features in MacOS Sierra. Aesthetic effects are introduced to messages, such as three times bigger emojis and click back with hearts or thumbs-up on a message bubble.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.imore.com/how-use-messages-effects-macos-sierra|title=How to use Messages effects in macOS Sierra|newspaper=iMore|access-date=November 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123053103/http://www.imore.com/how-use-messages-effects-macos-sierra|archive-date=November 23, 2016}}</ref> The ability to play YouTube videos and preview links in a conversation was introduced.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.imore.com/10-tiny-features-i-love-about-macos-sierra|title=10 tiny macOS Sierra features I love|newspaper=iMore|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160452/http://www.imore.com/10-tiny-features-i-love-about-macos-sierra|archive-date=December 30, 2016}}</ref> Users can view interactive content added to iMessage in iOS 10. The app also allows you to turn on or off read receipts on a conversation by conversation basis.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3122961/macs/7-hidden-features-in-macos-sierra-you-may-have-missed.html|title=7 hidden features in macOS Sierra you may have missed|newspaper=Macworld|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230230646/http://www.macworld.com/article/3122961/macs/7-hidden-features-in-macos-sierra-you-may-have-missed.html|archive-date=December 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/imessage-read-receipts-iphone-mac|title=How to Use Read Receipts on the iPhone and Mac|newspaper=TekRevue|language=en-US|access-date=December 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160211/https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/imessage-read-receipts-iphone-mac|archive-date=December 30, 2016}}</ref>

macOS High Sierra drops support for the AIM protocol.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/09/macos-10-13-high-sierra-the-ars-technica-review/ | title=MacOS 10.13 High Sierra: The Ars Technica review | date=25 September 2017 | access-date=12 May 2025 | archive-date=12 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112204933/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/09/macos-10-13-high-sierra-the-ars-technica-review/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The release of macOS High Sierra 10.13.5 introduced support for Messages in iCloud.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2018/06/01/apple-releases-macos-high-sierra-10-13-5|title=Apple Releases macOS High Sierra 10.13.5 With Messages in iCloud Support|work=MacRumors|date=June 1, 2018|access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-date=October 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025064110/https://www.macrumors.com/2018/06/01/apple-releases-macos-high-sierra-10-13-5/|url-status=live}}</ref> This feature allows messages to sync across all devices using the same iCloud account. When messages are deleted they are deleted on each device as well, and messages stored in the cloud do not take up local storage on the device anymore.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/ios-11-4-what-you-need-to-know-about-messages-in-icloud|title=iOS 11.4: What you need to know about Messages in iCloud|work=CNET|date=May 29, 2018|access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-date=August 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802180841/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/ios-11-4-what-you-need-to-know-about-messages-in-icloud/|url-status=live}}</ref> In order to use the feature, the user has to enable two-factor authentication for their Apple ID.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.imore.com/how-turn-messages-icloud|title=How to sync your text messages to iCloud|work=iMore|date=June 1, 2018|access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-date=March 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326223523/https://www.imore.com/how-turn-messages-icloud|url-status=live}}</ref>

In macOS Mojave, support for the Jabber protocol was removed.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8553254?sortBy=rank | title=Jabber/XMPP support gone in Messages, nee… - Apple Community | access-date=2025-05-12 | archive-date=2025-12-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251215121640/https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8553254?sortBy=rank | url-status=live }}</ref>

In macOS Catalina, the microphone feature received a redesigned icon.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/10/macos-10-15-catalina-the-ars-technica-review/ |title=macOS 10.15 Catalina: The Ars Technica review |at=Messages |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |website=Ars Technica |date=October 7, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2025 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415133817/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/10/macos-10-15-catalina-the-ars-technica-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

macOS Big Sur dropped the original codebase in favor of porting the iOS version using Catalyst.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-10|title=macOS Big Sur: What's new in the Messages app|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/3596795/macos-big-sur-what-s-new-in-the-messages-app.html|access-date=2021-01-22|website=Macworld|language=en|archive-date=2021-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128094556/https://www.macworld.com/article/3596795/macos-big-sur-what-s-new-in-the-messages-app.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Espósito|first=Filipe|date=2020-05-23|title=Apple working to replace Messages app on Mac with a Catalyst version iOS 14 code reveals|url=https://9to5mac.com/2020/05/23/apple-working-to-replace-messages-app-on-mac-with-a-catalyst-version-ios-14-code-reveals/|access-date=2021-01-22|website=9to5Mac|language=en-US|archive-date=2024-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124145216/https://9to5mac.com/2020/05/23/apple-working-to-replace-messages-app-on-mac-with-a-catalyst-version-ios-14-code-reveals/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also brought features from earlier iOS version that had not been added to Mac, as well as some new ones; conversation pinning, the ability to mention individuals, message searching, and more tools to send messages such as Memoji.

macOS Monterey introduced a few new features, also introduced in iOS 15, such as "Shared with You" which provides shortcut links to content shared via Messages in other Apple apps such as Safari, Photos, Music, and News.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} When multiple photos are sent/received, they are now displayed as a collection instead of multiple messages. A download button is provided to download all photos simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 18, 2021|title=All the New Features Coming to the Messages App in macOS Monterey|url=https://www.makeuseof.com/new-messages-features-macos-monterey/|access-date=November 16, 2022|website=Make Use Of|archive-date=November 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116164707/https://www.makeuseof.com/new-messages-features-macos-monterey/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Users received the ability to undo or edit messages in macOS Ventura, a carryover from iOS 16.

In macOS Sonoma, the app received a few changes. More precise search filters: for example, the contact name can be combined with a search term to look for the term within a specific conversation. A new feature called Catch-up, witch lets the user quickly jump to the first unread message in a conversation. Tapback was redesigned into multiple icons instead of being a context menu, while iMessage stickers were given a new selection interface.

== Reception == === Praise=== As a headlining feature in iOS 5, Messages was widely reviewed and was met with fairly positive reviews.

Dante Cesa from Engadget, in his review, praised the "brilliance" in Apple's execution of Messages. He complimented the way Messages did not change the earlier SMS UI and would automatically convert an SMS/MMS to iMessage if the recipient was registered; and from iMessage to SMS/MMS if they stopped using the service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/ios-5-review/|title=iOS 5 review|author=Dante Cesa|publisher=Engadget|date=October 12, 2011|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112020009/https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-12-ios-5-review.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Dan Moren from Macworld was also in praise of Apple execution saying that "...there's no having to explain to your less technically savvy friends how they can send you a free message instead of an SMS; it's all done automatically."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/214727/ios-5-review-ambitious-update-rings-in-the-changes.html|title=iOS 5 Review: Ambitious update rings in the changes|author=Dan Moren|publisher=Macworld|date=October 11, 2011|access-date=March 29, 2023|archive-date=March 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329225612/https://www.macworld.com/article/214727/ios-5-review-ambitious-update-rings-in-the-changes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This feature was widely praised.<ref name="anandtech_ios_5_review">{{cite web|url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/4956/apple-ios-5-review/3|title=Apple iOS 5 Review|author1=Vivek Gowri|author2=Andrew Cunningham|author3=Saumitra Bhagwat|author4=Brian Klug|publisher=AnandTech|date=October 18, 2011|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=April 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407081533/http://www.anandtech.com/show/4956/apple-ios-5-review/3|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/reviews/apple/72577-apple-ios-5-review/|title=Apple iOS 5 review|author=Chris Hall|publisher=Pocket-lint|date=April 16, 2013|access-date=July 17, 2025}}</ref><ref name="anandtech_jacqui_cheng_ios_5_review">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/2011/10/ios-5-reviewed-notifications-imessages-and-icloud-oh-my/4/|title=iOS 5 reviewed: Notifications, iMessages, and iCloud, oh my!|author=Jacqui Cheng|publisher=AnandTech|date=October 12, 2011|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=March 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308160610/http://arstechnica.com/apple/2011/10/ios-5-reviewed-notifications-imessages-and-icloud-oh-my/4/|url-status=live}}</ref>

AnandTech praised<ref name="anandtech_ios_5_review"/> Apple's technical achievements with Messages, particularly with iMessage. They noted that doing away with SMS's character limits (140 or 160) helped eliminate messages being sent and received split up into two or more messages. In their tests they found that Apple actually prioritized using cellular networks to send text messages as opposed to WiFi networks in spite of possibly incurring data costs. They claimed that data usage with text based iMessage was small enough to ignore especially when it is considered that cellular networks are more secure than WiFi (protected or not). With picture or video messages, Apple prioritized WiFi given the much higher data consumption as compared to text.

=== Criticism === Most of the criticism for Messages relates to iMessage. Before the release of iOS 6 and OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), the inability to receive iMessages sent to iPhone phone numbers on the iPad, iPod touch, and Mac was criticized.<ref name="anandtech_jacqui_cheng_ios_5_review"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/2011/10/12/ios-5-imessage/|title=iOS 5: iMessage|author=Mark Crump|publisher=Gigaom|date=October 12, 2011|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=May 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524074544/http://gigaom.com/2011/10/12/ios-5-imessage/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/7/25/3185644/mac-os-x-10-8-mountain-lion-review|title=OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion review|author=Nilay Patel|publisher=The Verge|date=July 25, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=March 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301222617/http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/25/3185644/mac-os-x-10-8-mountain-lion-review|url-status=live}}</ref> This feature was addressed in iOS 6 for iPhones, iPads and iPod touches and OS X 10.8.2 for Macs.

Messages also came under fire due to multiple cases of Apple's iCloud service going down. Messages relies on iCloud to send and receive iMessages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/11/18/3662906/apple-imessage-down-again-ios-osx|title=Apple iMessage and FaceTime down for users on iOS and OS X|author=T. C. Sottek|publisher=The Verge|date=November 18, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=March 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316200729/http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/18/3662906/apple-imessage-down-again-ios-osx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bostinno.com/2012/10/25/imessage-outage-imessage-is-down-for-apple-users-report/#ss__249876_245543_0__ss|title=iMessage Outage: iMessage is Down for Apple Users [Report]|author=Gregory Gomer|publisher=BostInno|date=October 25, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=January 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128024434/http://bostinno.com/2012/10/25/imessage-outage-imessage-is-down-for-apple-users-report/#ss__249876_245543_0__ss|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bostinno.com/2012/10/30/imessage-outage-imessage-is-down-again-for-apple-users-report/#ss__252161_245543_0__ss|title=iMessage is Down AGAIN for Apple Users, Second Time in a Week [Report & Cute Photos]|author=Gregory Gomer|publisher=BostInno|date=October 30, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=January 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130105165910/http://bostinno.com/2012/10/30/imessage-outage-imessage-is-down-again-for-apple-users-report/#ss__252161_245543_0__ss|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bostinno.com/2012/11/18/imessage-outage-imessage-is-down-again-for-apple-users-report-cute-photos/#ss__261205_245543_0__ss|title=iMessage Outage: iMessage is Down AGAIN for Apple Users [Report & Cute Photos]|author=Gregory Gomer|publisher=BostInno|date=November 18, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=February 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202041504/http://bostinno.com/2012/11/18/imessage-outage-imessage-is-down-again-for-apple-users-report-cute-photos/#ss__261205_245543_0__ss|url-status=live}}</ref>

Apple famously refused to adopt the RCS texting standard within Messages. In 2022, an iPhone user during an event asked Tim Cook if there were any plans to adopt RCS within the Messages app and iPhone. Cook explained that the majority of iPhone users simply were not expressing interest in RCS coming to iPhone and Messages. The person then followed that question up, explaining that their mother uses an Android phone whilst they use an iPhone, to which Cook jokingly replied "Buy your mom an iPhone" to massive controversy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lawler |first=Richard |date=2022-09-08 |title=Tim Cook says 'buy your mom an iPhone' if you want to end green bubbles |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/7/23342243/tim-cook-apple-rcs-imessage-android-iphone-compatibility |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908054542/https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/7/23342243/tim-cook-apple-rcs-imessage-android-iphone-compatibility |url-status=live }}</ref> This dialog and quote was later referenced in an anti-trust lawsuit against Apple Inc. filed by the United States Department of Justice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bitter |first=Alex |title=Watch Tim Cook's famous 'Buy your mom an iPhone' quip that caught the attention of the Justice Department |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/tim-cook-buy-your-mom-iphone-doj-apple-complaint-2024-3 |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721043355/https://www.businessinsider.com/tim-cook-buy-your-mom-iphone-doj-apple-complaint-2024-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> Google ran an advertising campaign known as "Get The Message", pressuring Apple to implement RCS within iOS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-09 |title='It's Time for Apple to Fix Texting' Says New Android Website Pushing RCS Messaging Technology |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2022/08/09/android-website-rcs-apple/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=MacRumors |language=en |archive-date=2024-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111102757/https://www.macrumors.com/2022/08/09/android-website-rcs-apple/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It encouraged social networking users to share the hashtag "#GetTheMessage" with a link to the Get The Message homepage with information about RCS. Several Android OEMs joined the campaign and created their own advertisements, such as Samsung.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romero |first=Andrew |date=October 10, 2023 |title=Samsung joins in on taunting Apple with RCS 'Get The Message' push [Video] |work=9to5Google |url=https://9to5google.com/2023/10/10/samsung-joins-in-on-taunting-apple-with-rcs-get-the-message-push-video/ |access-date=October 13, 2024 |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011074010/https://9to5google.com/2023/10/10/samsung-joins-in-on-taunting-apple-with-rcs-get-the-message-push-video/ |url-status=live }}</ref> RCS later came to Messages in iOS 18.

== Accessibility == Using Apple's VoiceOver screen reader (on both iOS and macOS), visually impaired users can tap on a message and have it be read out to them. They can also navigate the Messages UI using Voice Over. Utilizing Siri with Messages enables one to dictate and send messages with just a few commands. Siri is also able to read out new incoming messages.<ref>{{cite web |title=Apple - Accessibility - Vision - iPhone |url=https://www.apple.com/accessibility/iphone/vision.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215110505/https://www.apple.com/accessibility/iphone/vision.html |archive-date=February 15, 2013 |access-date=February 12, 2013 |publisher=Apple Inc.}}</ref> The default font size on iOS Messages is editable under the Accessibility tab in the Settings application.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.groovypost.com/howto/change-font-size-iphone-ios/|title=How to Increase the Font Size in iOS|author=Austin Krause|publisher=groovyPost|date=October 8, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=January 28, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128215823/https://www.groovypost.com/howto/change-font-size-iphone-ios/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist|25em}}

Category:2007 software Category:AIM (software) clients Category:Apple Inc. software Category:Instant messaging clients Category:IOS software Category:MacOS instant messaging clients Category:MacOS-only software made by Apple Inc. Category:MacOS Category:WatchOS software Category:XMPP clients Category:IOS-based software made by Apple Inc.