This archive report was first published on 28 August 2021.
Published on August 28, 2021, Apple's iMessage allows users to send a variety of messages to friends and family, including data-based text, photo, video, and audio messages.
The built-in Messages app on Apple devices can send both carrier-based SMS/MMS and data-based iMessages to any phone and any other Apple device. To distinguish between the two, Apple color-codes all messages.
Blue represents iMessage, which is used when sending messages from one Apple device to another over Wi-Fi or cellular data. Green represents SMS/MMS, which is used when sending messages to non-Apple devices over the cellular network.
It's essential to note that if iMessage is unavailable, your iPhone may attempt to send SMS/MMS, which can result in charges, especially for international messages not covered by your texting plan.
To send a text message on an iPhone or iPad using iMessage, follow these steps:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap the Compose button in the upper right-hand corner.
- Enter the name of the person you want to send a message to.
When sending a new photo or video on iPhone or iPad using Messages, follow these steps:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap on the conversation where you want to send the photo.
- Press the camera button to the left of the text field.
- Take a photo or video, and edit or mark it up as desired.
- Press the blue send button in the bottom right corner.
To send an existing photo or video via iMessage on an iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap on the conversation where you want to send the photo.
- Press the apps button to the left of the text field.
- Tap the Photos app button.
- Tap the photo or video you want to send.
- Leave a comment if desired.
- Press the send button.
Sharing your location via iMessage on iPhone and iPad is simple:
- In a Messages conversation, tap on the name at the top of the conversation screen.
- Tap the Info button to the right of the name.
- Tap Send My Current Location to share your location.
Alternatively, you can share your location for a set time:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap on the conversation where you want to send your location.
- Tap on the name at the top of the conversation screen.
- Tap the Info button to the right of the name.
- Tap the Share My Location button.
- Choose the time for which you want to share your location.
