IMessage

iMessage is an instant messaging service developed by Apple Inc. for their iOS, iPadOS, and macOS operating systems. The service provides its users with the ability to send texts, documents, photos, videos, contact information, and group messages over the internet to other iOS or macOS users, thus providing an alternative to standard SMS/MMS messaging for most users with devices running iOS 5 or later.

History

iMessage was announced by Scott Forstall at the WWDC 2011 keynote on June 6, 2011. A version of the iOS Messages application with support for iMessage was included in the iOS 5 update on October 12, 2011. On February 16, 2012, Apple announced that a new OS X Messages application would replace iChat in OS X Mountain Lion, which was released on July 25, 2012.

Features

iMessage allows users to send texts, documents, photos, videos, contact information, and group messages over Wi-Fi, mobile phone Internet access, or other forms of Internet access to other iOS or macOS users, replacing the need for a cellular network. It also offers a range of other features including read receipts, typing indicator, and secure end-to-end encryption.

Compatibility

iMessage is accessible through the Messages app on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch running iOS 5 or later, or on a Mac running OS X Mountain Lion or later. Owners of these devices can register one or more email addresses with Apple, and, additionally, iPhone owners can register their phone numbers with Apple.

Criticism and Controversy

iMessage has faced criticism and controversy for its use of end-to-end encryption, which has been a point of contention with law enforcement agencies and governments. There have also been issues with the service's reliability and functionality, including problems with messages being delivered in the wrong order or not at all.

See Also

• Instant messaging
• Apple Inc.
• iOS
• macOS
• iPadOS