How does iMessage work?

Question

How does iMessage work?

How does iMessage work? I understand what it does, somewhat, but, e.g., does it interact with Apple servers? How are messages sent via iMessage handled compared to non-iMessage transmissions?

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 8.3

Posted on Apr 30, 2015 4:38 AM

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Answer 1

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Ralph Landry1

Level 8

41,850 points

Apr 30, 2015 4:59 AM in response to wishiknewmore

iMessage is an Apple messaging system that works between Apple products. The messaging is a free service that does not use the data limits set by a telco for normal messaging. iMessages can be sent to and from Apple computers in addition to the iOS devices. Those messages are not available to non-Apple devices.

The system handles messaging via the users' Apple IDs so a person without an Apple ID does not have the service available.

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Answer 2

Apr 30, 2015 4:50 AM in response to wishiknewmore

For more on iMessaging see the Apple article: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201287

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Answer 3

Apr 30, 2015 5:08 AM in response to Ralph Landry1

Thanks, Ralph. I guess iMessage makes use of some Apple proprietary device hardware-software-Internet protocol system. Does connection to an LTE telco network work for iMessage, or does iMessage only work over wifi?

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Answer 4

Apr 30, 2015 5:21 AM in response to wishiknewmore

Hello Wishiknewmore,

iMessage works over both WiFi and LTE when communicating with other apple devices.

Cheers.

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Answer 5

May 4, 2015 8:16 AM in response to wishiknewmore

iMessage will work over both the telco data system and WiFi, but those devices that do not use a telco data system, such as a Mac computer or WiFi-only iPad have to be on a WiFi network to use iMessage.

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