Does imessage work with iphones only?

The service is provided through Apple iMessage server, not cell carrier SMS. You are exchanging iMessage with users that have registered an iMessage Caller ID (can be iphone number, or email account) with the Apple server. To registered that caller ID, you need an Apple device running iOS 5 or higher, and an Apple Store ID to log in.

sidney0526 wrote:

, you need an Apple device running iOS 5 or higher, and an Apple Store ID to log in.

Actually, you just need an AppleID - it does not have to be the same AppleID you use with the iTunes or App stores (you can have as many AppleIDs as you like, although each one needs a unique valid email address to create it, and you can use different AppleIDs for different Apple services).

So families or couples sharing one AppleID for purchased content can still have unique AppleIDs to create unique iMessage accounts.

Ok folks, here is a question for you Mac gurus!

You said any iphone running iOs 5 and above?

what can you tell me about using iphone 3Gs phones?

my wife and my mother both have these phones.

They are iOS 6.1.x

and messages is the GREEN app for regular SMS

I wish to help my mother and wife to use the iMessage service.

Like you said above I set them each up with an APPLE ID

But, I have not been able to teach the or download any iMessage app because that I think is for later phones.

Is this correct?

Is iMessage a feature for only iPhone 4 and above?

If not how can I work with the MESSAGES app and not use the CELLULAR SMS *(currently with us is AT&T ala carte which is like owning a payphone ....not good)

thanks for any information

J. singleton makin :-)

iMessage works with any device running iOS 5 or later. iMessage is not a separate app. Both carrier SMS and iMessage are sent and received through the Messages app.

You need to enter the Apple ID under Settings > Messages, upon turning iMessage ON.

It's an Apple service that works with iOS devices - not Androids.

In the same way that BBM only works with Blackberry devices.

iMessage works with iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. NOT Android.

excellent answer! Not just 'plagarizing the manual' ! The AppleID comments are very useful to an Apple 'newbie'!

I do not see the point of iMessage. Not everyone has an iPhone. Most of my friends use android so I do not use. In response to the other poster, BBM does work on iPhone because I have it.