iMessage vs. Text Message: What’s the Difference

Quick Tips

• iMessage relies on the internet to exchange text messages between Apple devices without charges.
• SMS messages use a cellular network, and you can text any phone number – but you may incur charges depending on your mobile plan.
• You can exchange high-quality photos and videos using iMessage. Further, messages sent using iMessage are end-to-end encrypted.

Understanding the Difference Between iMessage vs. Text Messages

Apart from the blue bubble for iMessage and the green bubble for Text Message, there are many key differences between the two.

1. Connectivity

iMessage uses the internet, and SMS messages use the cellular network to send and receive messages. Since iMessage uses the internet, it is considered free compared to the standard SMS charges by the carrier.

2. Character Limitations

A single Text Message is limited to 160 (or more sometimes) characters. Any message you send as a text message with more than 160 characters in it will be truncated into multiple chunks.

However, iMessage has no such limitations. You can send much longer messages with it, and all will be displayed as a single message. Plus, any image or video sent over SMS is of low quality.

3. Privacy and Security

All the messages you send using iMessage are end-to-end encrypted, meaning even Apple can’t read your conversations. Text Messages are not encrypted.

iMessage also supports contact key verification, which ensures more control over the security of your messages.

4. Extra Features

On top of unlimited character length and privacy, iMessage has many features that set it apart from the traditional text message. Here are some features:

• Read receipts
• Typing indicators
• Sending and receiving high-quality media
• Inline reply to individual messages
• More effective group chat and much more
• iMessage Apps

Must Read: How to add, delete, or hide iMessage apps on iPhone

How to Switch Between iMessage and Text Message on iPhone

Switching between the iMessage and Text Message is as easy as toggling a switch. Let’s look at the steps:

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Messages.

Step 2: Turn off the toggle for iMessage.

And that’s it; you have successfully switched to Text Message on your iPhone.

Tip: To switch back to iMessage, follow the same steps and turn on the toggle.

Also Read: How to use iMessage group chat on iPhone and iPad