Intermittent iMessage Issues with Specific Contacts

Hi all,

Recently started having issues with a few contacts where iMessages don't deliver and end up getting sent as SMS. I believe the issue is with my device as their texts always come in as iMessage. The strange thing is, my location/network don't change yet iMessage vs text does.

For example, today I've been home most of the day; same spot in the house, same wifi network with the same signal and same cell network, both with full signal. Yet some of my messages go as iMessage and others go as SMS.

I've contacted Apple who stated this is not a known issue. Here is what I have tried so far:

• Delete and re-add the contact
• Disabling and re-enabling iMessage
• Changing number/addresses for iMessage
• Reset network settings
• Turn off cellular when sending
• Restart device (several times)
• Edit message immediately after send (sometimes makes it instantly deliver as iMessage, other times doesn't work)

But the problems persist. I am using an iPhone 13 Pro Max on iOS 16.2. My cell service is through AT&T and home wifi is through Cox.

Any assistance you can provide in resolving is greatly appreciated!