The Messages app on iPhones allows users to send both SMS text messages and iMessages. When you send a message to another iPhone user, it will typically go as an iMessage, which uses data or WiFi and allows features like read receipts, larger file transfers, and higher quality images and video. However, when sending a message to someone without an iPhone, it reverts to a regular SMS text message instead. This often leads to confusion for iPhone users wondering why their messages say “text message” sometimes instead of “iMessage.” There are a few key reasons behind this naming convention.
Text Messages vs. iMessages
The main difference between “text messages” and “iMessages” comes down to the underlying technology and protocols used:
- Text messages use SMS (Short Message Service) technology and cellular networks to transmit messages up to 160 characters in length.
- iMessages use data (either cellular data or WiFi data) and the Apple Messages service to transmit messages, photos, videos, and files with no character limit.
Text messages are supported by virtually all mobile phones, while iMessages require an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Mac running iOS or macOS. iMessages offer more features but can only be sent between Apple devices.
Backward Compatibility
The reason the Messages app defaults to saying “text message” is for backward compatibility with non-Apple phones. When you send a message, it checks if the recipient has an iPhone or otherwise registered iMessage phone number tied to their Apple ID. If not, it automatically sends as a text message instead so that Android, Windows, and other non-Apple phone users can receive the messages.
Apple chose standard “text message” wording so that iPhone users would recognize when a message leaves the iMessage ecosystem and reverts to basic SMS technology. This allows them to know that more advanced iMessage features may not work and the message could count against cellular text message limits.
Technical Reasons Behind “Text Message” Wording
There are some deeper technical reasons why Apple defaulted to the “text message” phrasing as well:
Separate App Services
From a software perspective, iMessage and SMS text messaging utilize completely separate services and protocols to transmit messages:
- iMessage sends encrypted messages through the Apple Messages app servers using the Apple Push Notification service (APNs).
- SMS and MMS text messages use cellular networks and the SMS protocol to send messages.
The Messages app bridges these two services by checking the recipient and utilizing the appropriate delivery system. But iMessage and text messaging remain technically distinct, which is reflected in the language.
Telecom Regulations
Text messaging is highly regulated by telecommunications authorities in most countries. These regulations relate to areas like emergency SMS capabilities, number portability, cellular carrier interoperability, and accessibility.
Referring to all basic SMS messaging as “text message” allows Apple to more clearly delineate when a standard regulated SMS text vs. proprietary iMessage service is being utilized. This provides legal clarity and helps ensure compliance with telecom rules.
Character Limits
Text messages are limited to 160 characters, while iMessages have no character restrictions. If a message exceeds 160 characters, the Messages app will automatically convert it to an iMessage if the recipient is registered. Otherwise it gets broken into multiple text messages.
Labeling a message as “text” or “iMessage” based on the recipient immediately shows users whether length restrictions apply.
When “Text Message” Displayed in Messages App
There are a few scenarios where you will see “text message” or SMS indicators within the Messages app on an iPhone:
- Sending to an Android, Windows or non-Apple phone number
- Sending to someone without cellular service who has WiFi-only iPod Touch or iPad
- Sending when cellular data disabled and no WiFi available
- Sending to phone number not registered with iMessage
- Group messages involving any non-iMessage recipients
In these situations, the Messages app automatically sends using standard SMS/MMS technology and indicates this with “text message” terminology.
Example Scenarios
| Sender | Recipient | Message Type |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Android phone | Text message |
| iPhone | Other iPhone | iMessage |
| iPhone | iPad (WiFi only) | Text message |
| iPhone | iPhone with cellular disabled | Text message |
As you can see, anytime the recipient device does not have access to the iMessage service, the Messages app intelligently sends it as a text message while indicating this to the user.
When iMessages Temporarily Show as Text Messages
In some cases, even messages sent to other iPhones may initially display as text messages before switching to iMessages. This can happen in scenarios like:
- Temporary cell service interruption
- Slow cellular data speeds
- Signing out then back into iMessage
- Switching a SIM card from Android to iPhone
The Messages app will rapidly attempt to resend as an iMessage if connectivity resumes. So you may see a message start as text then change to iMessage soon after.
Troubleshooting when Text Message Displayed Incorrectly
If you are consistently seeing “text message” when messaging other iPhone users, there are a few troubleshooting steps to resolve this:
- Ensure you and the recipients have stable cellular data or WiFi connectivity
- Confirm the iPhone phone numbers are registered under your Apple IDs in Settings > Messages
- Double check that cellular data and iMessage are enabled under Settings
- Try manually toggling iMessage off then on again
- Soft reset the iPhone by holding the power and home button down for 30 seconds to restart
Following these steps should allow your messages to properly send as iMessages instead of mistakenly falling back to text messaging unnecessarily. Contact Apple support if issues persist.
Summary
In summary, there are good technical and regulatory reasons behind the Messages app defaulting to standard “text messaging” wording when not utilizing the proprietary iMessage system. By building in backward compatibility to reach non-Apple devices and indicating when telecom rules apply, Apple provides a smooth cross-platform messaging experience. While sometimes confusing, this ultimately allows iPhone users to seamlessly text all friends whether they have an iPhone or not!