IOS 12 combining text messages

Why you may have done what you did is completely irrelevant. Apple is not responsible for people who willingly ignore the documentation. This is not Apple's problem, it's yours.

Perhaps you haven’t noticed but the world does occasionally change.

Have you noticed that it’s no longer necessary to manually advance the spark on your car?

You’re correct.

Please read my earlier reply.

You are incorrect. It has NEVER been supported.

That’s academic. It’s not supported now and you have iPhones now. Do you wish that they work properly?

Family sharing has only been an option since IOS 8. So no it wasn't ALWAYS that way. I have had iPhones for a long time. We set up one ID before Family Sharing was possible.

Well, fix your iPhones.

Apple is responsible for adding capability? Yes, of course, they are. We’re in the 21st century now. Upgrade your system accordingly.

That’s indeed unfortunate. I’m glad that I followed Apple’s instructions. I’ve had no issues whatever.

Since, we don’t use Apple ID, we use our individual phone numbers for messaging, and you seem so smart, why is my phone the only one combining messages and how do I get it to stop?

Apple employees don’t know everything about their own products. One was quoted in a major publication that wireless charging isn’t good for a phone because it uses its own battery to charge itself.

Clearly busy texting in Physics class, and missed the lecture on the first law of thermodynamics.

Clearly missed any and all lessons on logic and common sense.

You were given bad information.

Yes it is.

Just like any other product, if you want it to function properly, you must follow the manufacturer's recommendations.