Text message meaning
In the text bar is says text message.. it normally says iMessage. Does this mean i have been blocked?
iPhone 15, iOS 17
Question marked as
iMessage is Apple's secure way for other iPhones to message each other. RCS (Rich Communication Services) is what most modern phones (Android, Google Pixel, etc) use nowadays. When it is just "Text Message", it means that the phone number you are trying to message doesn't use RCS or iMessage.
"Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a communication protocol standard for instant messaging, primarily for mobile phones, developed and defined by the GSM Association (GSMA). It aims to be a replacement of SMS and MMS on cellular networks with more modern features including high-resolution image and video support, typing indicators, file sharing, and improved group chat functionality." (Wikipedia)
"Support for RCS Messaging RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages bring richer media and delivery and read receipts for those who don’t use iMessage." -Apple iOS 18 Update Page
If you update to iOS 18 (as you are on iOS 17) the "Text Message" may change to "RCS"
...it normally says iMessage. -KT2580
If it normally said iMessage, then this means that the phone number you are trying to message has either
- Changed phones to a phone that is not an iPhone
- The number is no longer in service