When you send a message using the Messages app on any Apple platform, the type of message, either iMessage or SMS, will be determined automatically.

If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one for free.

In contrast, to use iMessage, all you need is an Apple device signed into an Apple ID. Typically, the ability to send and receive SMS messages is facilitated by a wireless carrier and service plan. Short messaging service (SMS) is the universal text messaging standard supported on nearly all modern phones. In addition to not requiring a dedicated texting plan, iMessage includes a number of additional features, such as increased customizability of messages and end-to-end encryption. IMessage is an Apple service that allows you to exchange messages with other Apple users independent of a wireless carrier. Messages refers to the built-in app on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS used to send and receive both iMessages and standard SMS text messages, with this guide primarily focused on the version of the app for macOS. In fact, being able to do tasks like calling and texting seamlessly on both my Mac and my iPhone is one of my favorite cross-device integration features. While certain aspects of the Messages app’s interface may initially seem confusing, there are a number of tricks, which I will cover in this guide, which you can use to maximize your efficiency with it. Rather than stop what you’re doing and switch devices to view and respond to the message, you could simply open the Notification Center or Messages app on your Mac, view and respond to the message, and get back to your original task. As part of Apple’s interconnected ecosystem, this capability is also available on macOS.Īn example of how the Messages app could be useful on macOS is if you’re working on your Mac and a text comes in. If you have an iPhone, you’re probably fairly familiar with the Messages app on iOS, using it to send and receive texts, photos, videos, and other files.

Messages not delivered mac 10.13.6