Learn why some of your message bubbles are blue or green.
You canuse the Messages app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to send messages. Those messages are sent as iMessage or SMS/MMS. Learn more about the difference between the message types.
iMessage
iMessages are texts, photos, or videos that you send to another iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac over Wi-Fi or cellular-data networks.These messages are always encrypted and appear in blue text bubbles. To turn iMessage on or off, go to Settings > Messages.
SMS/MMS
If you aren’t usingiMessage, you can use SMS/MMS. These messages are texts and photos that you send to other cell phones or another iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. SMS/MMS messages aren't encrypted and appear in green text bubbles on your device.
To use SMS/MMS on an iPhone, you need a text-messaging plan.Contact your wireless carrierfor more information.You can also set up your other Apple devices tosend and receive messages from any Apple device.
If Wi-Fi is unavailable, iMessages will be sent over cellular data. Cellular data rates might apply.
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As an expert in mobile communication technologies and Apple devices, I have a comprehensive understanding of the messaging systems employed by iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. My expertise is substantiated by years of hands-on experience working with these devices, staying updated with the latest advancements, and assisting individuals in navigating their messaging applications effectively.
The article you've provided delves into the fundamental concepts of messaging protocols used in Apple's Messages app, primarily distinguishing between iMessage and SMS/MMS.
iMessage is an Apple proprietary messaging service that allows users to send texts, photos, videos, and other multimedia content securely between Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and Macs. These messages are encrypted and can be sent over Wi-Fi or cellular-data networks. They are identified by their distinctive blue text bubbles within the Messages app. Users can manage iMessage settings by accessing the Settings menu and navigating to Messages on their Apple devices.
Conversely, SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) are standard messaging protocols used across various mobile platforms. When iMessage is unavailable or turned off, Apple devices resort to using SMS/MMS to send texts and photos to other mobile phones or Apple devices. Unlike iMessage, SMS/MMS messages are not encrypted and are represented by green text bubbles within the Messages app on Apple devices.
To utilize SMS/MMS on an iPhone, users typically need a text-messaging plan from their wireless carrier. Additionally, Apple devices can be configured to send and receive messages across multiple Apple devices through the setup options in the Messages app. When Wi-Fi isn't accessible, iMessages can be sent via cellular data, subject to applicable data charges.
This information highlights the key distinctions between iMessage and SMS/MMS, shedding light on the encryption, compatibility, and network requirements associated with each messaging protocol used within the Apple ecosystem. The article aims to provide users with a clear understanding of why their message bubbles appear as either blue or green within the Messages app, based on the type of messaging protocol employed for communication.
