I Can only use iMessage on my new iPad Air 2 with other Apple users. Why can't I send and receive text messages with SMS people?
iPad
You would need an iPhone and then use iOS continuity features to do that - Use Continuity to connect your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac - Apple Support
An iPad is natively incapable of sending SMS text messages as those require a cellular voice channel connection.
txt messages on new iPad Air 2 will only work with other Apple users. How to send and receive iMessages to SMS users?
