When cell phones were first introduced, there were only two things users could do – make phone calls and send messages or SMS using a cellular network.

Then came smartphones and internet connections that enabled users to send texts, photos and videos using the internet over the cellular network.

While WhatsApp is a universal choice for sending messages, iPhone users also use iMessages – Apple’s own instant messaging service.

What are iMessages?

First and foremost, iMessage only works on Apple devices like iPhone, iPad or Mac. It is an instant messaging service that sends messages over the internet. Without a data connection or WiFi, iMessage does not work.

So, when an iPhone user has to send a text to another iPhone user, he/she can use either iMessage or text messages. But when a message has to be sent to a person using an Android phone, an iPhone user has to use the SMS service.

What are text messages or SMS?

SMS stands for Short Message Service. Although people still widely use the SMS service for sending texts, it was a very popular service when cell phones were first introduced. The SMS service is available for both Android and iOS users and requires a text message plan with the cellular carrier in order to send the messages.

How are text messages and iMessages different?

– The most basic difference between an iMessage and a text message is that an iMessage is sent using an internet connection and the latter is delivered over a cellular network.

– Another difference is that the iMessage service can be accessed only on Apple devices and the SMS service can be used on any device.

– While iMessages sync with iCloud, it is difficult to create a backup for text messages.

– On an iPhone, iMessages appear in blue bubbles while text messages appear in green bubbles.

– iMessages come with support for features that text messages don’t. With iMessage, you can share your location, get read receipts and see whether someone is replying to your message or has started typing. It also enables you to send stickers, songs, animated GIFs, etc.

READ MORE: How to use Facebook Messenger without a Facebook account? Know here