Messages (Apple)
Messages is an instant messaging service developed by Apple Inc., launched in 2011 as part of iOS 5 and OS X Mountain Lion (later renamed macOS). It allows users to send and receive messages, including text, images, videos, audio, documents, and location data, between Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, Macs, and Apple Watches).
Messages uses the iMessage protocol for communication between Apple devices, offering features such as end-to-end encryption, read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing. When communicating with non-Apple devices or when iMessage is unavailable (due to lack of internet connectivity or device incompatibility), Messages utilizes the Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) protocols.
Key features of Messages include:
- iMessage: Apple's proprietary messaging protocol offering enhanced features and security when communicating with other Apple devices.
- SMS/MMS Support: Fallback compatibility for communication with non-Apple devices via traditional cellular messaging protocols.
- End-to-End Encryption: Secure communication between Apple devices using iMessage.
- iMessage Apps: Integration with third-party apps to add functionality and content to messages.
- Message Effects: Visual and animated effects that can be added to individual messages.
- Tapback Reactions: Quick reactions to messages using pre-defined icons (e.g., heart, thumbs up).
- Scheduled Send: The ability to schedule a message to be sent at a later time.
- Message Editing and Unsending: Users can edit or unsend recently sent iMessages.
- Cross-Device Syncing: Messages are synchronized across all Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
- Group Messaging: Support for group conversations with multiple participants.
- Mentions: Ability to mention specific people within a group conversation.
- Threaded Replies: Allows users to reply directly to specific messages within a conversation, creating threads for better organization.