The iPhone from an Android Perspective

[Vegastouch]

IOS has majority market share in United States and combined with iMessage and FaceTime built in it’s not surprising.

I only have one contact that uses android, everyone else is on IOS and iMessage and FaceTime work great.

Well i dont know about that and frankly i doubt it. And saying FB and iMessage is why is silly. Like FB isnt the first thing people put on their phones if they dont have a Samsung device which is built in?

lol, some of you act like downloading an App is hard.

I turned my Facebook off a year ago. Its all Politics and ads now.

 

[ian87w]

This is just my theory, but imo it's about the habit of the consumers, which is being dictated by the carriers.
Eg. in the US, most wireless plans that I see offer unlimited voice and text, and whoever you call/text, it's the same rate/included. Thus the market itself doesn't have the habit of looking for a more economical route of calling/texting. The genius of iMessage is that Apple baked it in to the stock SMS app, so there's literally no transition from the iPhone users. They just start using it right away.

This is different in other countries. I'm taking my country Indonesia as an example. Here, the carriers don't offer unlimited calls/texts. Even worse, calling/texting to different providers or landline will incure different (more expensive) rates than calling/texting to people within the same carrier. Thus the market behaves in a way that we naturally are looking for more economical route. Prior to smartphones/data plans, the options are either calling or texting, thus we adopted texting way ahead compared to the US as texting a single SMS is cheaper than calling the person for a few minutes. In the era of data plans, whatsapp (along with the rest of messaging platforms like Line, Telegram, Wechat, etc) immediately became the choice as calls and texts are "free" as it's using the data plan. So people has no problem looking and downloading those apps on first time set up as they already develop the habit of using a different app than the default call/SMS apps. Even iPhone owners here don't bother with iMessage as majority are on Android.

 

[Ludatyk]

This is just my theory, but imo it's about the habit of the consumers, which is being dictated by the carriers.
Eg. in the US, most wireless plans that I see offer unlimited voice and text, and whoever you call/text, it's the same rate/included. Thus the market itself doesn't have the habit of looking for a more economical route of calling/texting. The genius of iMessage is that Apple baked it in to the stock SMS app, so there's literally no transition from the iPhone users. They just start using it right away.

I think you are referring to preference? I could be wrong. But Apple was indeed clever with implementing iMessage into stock SMS app, which helped providing a convenience factor. I think without iMessage... apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Line, WeChat, etc. would have dominated the ”world” market.

Consumers grew tired of SMS and the fees attached with it as well as hardly no features were added to SMS, which helped messaging platforms succeed. But, just looking back over the history of Instant Messaging... company like Yahoo was the first to usher in that instantaneously idea (aside from AOL). Just imagine, if Yahoo actually took it seriously. Social media might looked differently.

 

[Klyster]

But Apple was indeed clever with implementing iMessage into stock SMS app, which helped providing a convenience factor. I think without iMessage... apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Line, WeChat, etc. would have dominated the ”world” market.

Whatsapp and Messenger are already dominant, even in the USA.

 

[Ludatyk]

Whatsapp and Messenger are already dominant, even in the USA.

I'm just referring to if iMessage wasn't on the scene, apps like the ones you mention would have had a larger footprint. I would imagine that WhatsApp would remain solo, but who knows.

 

[sunking101]

I sense a sarcastic tone.

I never used WhatsApp, so I can't really comment on the sign up aspect of it. I'm sure WhatsApp is an awesome messaging platform, it has billions of users. But, I'm just saying how easy iMessage is and how admirably it is implemented into the OS.

Yes but it's only any good if the person you want to send a message to has an iPhone as well. Google could say the same about Hangouts I guess. People talk about iMessage as if it's some amazing feature but it really isn't. If it was so amazing it would work cross-networks and it doesn't. It is just a simple SMS client if both parties don't have an Apple product.

When I had an iPhone I was constantly worried that I was going to be charged by my airtime provider because I was maybe sending photos to someone who didn't have an iPhone. It created too much anxiety and it was great to download Whatsapp and use that instead. No anxiety. It works with both platforms.

I couldn't ever imagine making iMessage the reason that I stick with Apple. If something so minor is the reason that people refuse to leave then that's scary stuff. I'll use Whatsapp, SMS, FB messenger, send an email or phone someone up. In this day and age you can get hold of everyone by some method or other.

 

[Zaft]

I have tried several times by messaging people on WhatsApp, or inviting them. They simply don’t care. Majority of people use the stock app. I’m sure it’s different in Europe but that’s how it is in the US. Accept that all regions are not alike.

its the reason why google pays apple billions to be the default search engine in IOS.

 

[Ludatyk]

When I had an iPhone I was constantly worried that I was going to be charged by my airtime provider because I was maybe sending photos to someone who didn't have an iPhone. It created too much anxiety and it was great to download Whatsapp and use that instead. No anxiety. It works with both platforms.

I couldn't ever imagine making iMessage the reason that I stick with Apple. If something so minor is the reason that people refuse to leave then that's scary stuff. I'll use Whatsapp, SMS, FB messenger, send an email or phone someone up. In this day and age you can get hold of everyone by some method or other.

No shade to you, but its just something you don't understand.

I've been using iMessage since the introduction of it and I would like to think I'm fairly knowledgeable about the features. And, I think that's the misconception of it... blue bubbles vs green bubbles argument. iMessage has features, right? Read Receipts, typing indicators, sending various files... just to name a few. And when that first message to an individual becomes green, that notion of disappointment appears due to not experiencing those features.

Obviously, iMessage is not for everyone and that's totally alright. And I can definitely get a hold of someone by the methods you listed above. But what's minor to you might not be minor to someone else and it's not something that should be labeled as scary. And, over the years iMessage has developed many cool features that my family and friends have grown to enjoy... and that's why I stick with it.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

It’s nice to have both platforms to use in unison. Not really sure what the whole frustration is to be honest.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Whatsapp and Messenger are already dominant, even in the USA.

Dominant with regards to what? 3rd party messages? Then yes, I agree.

Dominant as far as any messaging service goes? No, they're not even close to how many people use imessage and stock sms apps.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Yes but it's only any good if the person you want to send a message to has an iPhone as well. Google could say the same about Hangouts I guess. People talk about iMessage as if it's some amazing feature but it really isn't. If it was so amazing it would work cross-networks and it doesn't. It is just a simple SMS client if both parties don't have an Apple product.

When I had an iPhone I was constantly worried that I was going to be charged by my airtime provider because I was maybe sending photos to someone who didn't have an iPhone. It created too much anxiety and it was great to download Whatsapp and use that instead. No anxiety. It works with both platforms.

I couldn't ever imagine making iMessage the reason that I stick with Apple. If something so minor is the reason that people refuse to leave then that's scary stuff. I'll use Whatsapp, SMS, FB messenger, send an email or phone someone up. In this day and age you can get hold of everyone by some method or other.

This. I get charged 56p for every picture/video I send via iMessage to someone who doesn’t have an iPhone. I don’t even take the chance. I’d rather just send it via WhatsApp and know it’s completely free. I downloaded WhatsApp in 2010 when I had an iPhone 4. I never got into iMessage so never became dependent on it. When I switched to android in 2012 I could carry on using WhatsApp and then when I switched back to the iPhone in 2014 I still didn’t see the need to use iMessage.

 

[Klyster]

Dominant with regards to what? 3rd party messages? Then yes, I agree.

Dominant as far as any messaging service goes? No, they're not even close to how many people use imessage and stock sms apps.

No, you're right, I read wrong.
imessage is massive in the U.S.

 

[SteveJUAE]

No, you're right, I read wrong.
imessage is massive in the U.S.

I think you will find that's not quite correct

SMS/Texting is still likely the most common message sent in US as the generally bundled unlimited sms/mms plans are common.

Most other countries you can save $30 or more a year by opting out. This has been so successful that in many countries sms is almost dead outside of business use and US would probably follow if the main carriers gave an easy choice and users realized they could save money.

The most common E message service in the US is still thought to be messenger where the E part of Imessage is thought to be 2nd or 3rd place, although stats are hard to find typically on Apple and WhatsApp is growing rapidly even in the US

 

[Ludatyk]

US would probably follow if the main carriers gave an easy choice and users realized they could save money.

With this statement, I think you answered in the same post as this...

SMS/Texting is still likely the most common message sent in US as the generally bundled unlimited sms/mms plans are common.

In US, unlimited voice/SMS is bundled to the point where its forced upon us. I've long been a proponent of just using data to communicate... and I believe Apple seen this coming, that's why they introduced iMessage. Carriers had no choice to push voice/sms as a bundled.. eventually giving it to us unlimited.

 

[SteveJUAE]

With this statement, I think you answered in the same post as this...

In US, unlimited voice/SMS is bundled to the point where its forced upon us. I've long been a proponent of just using data to communicate... and I believe Apple seen this coming, that's why they introduced iMessage. Carriers had no choice to push voice/sms as a bundled.. eventually giving it to us unlimited.

Yes but for no minute should users think it's free, it's almost compulsory inclusion with a hidden price

I do not believe iMessage was a product of Apple seeing this coming it was more of a stealth win for the carriers encouraged by Apple that assisted in the favored push for Iphones by carriers because of the hidden gains for them

It was a win win for carriers in so far you paid for both sms and data inclusion and Iphone favored E sending saving carriers sms costs and on occasion increasing costs for some users on sms/mms if they did not have it bundled etc

A cunning strategy IMO

 

[Klyster]

I think you will find that's not quite correct

SMS/Texting is still likely the most common message sent in US as the generally bundled unlimited sms/mms plans are common.

Most other countries you can save $30 or more a year by opting out. This has been so successful that in many countries sms is almost dead outside of business use and US would probably follow if the main carriers gave an easy choice and users realized they could save money.

The most common E message service in the US is still thought to be messenger where the E part of Imessage is thought to be 2nd or 3rd place, although stats are hard to find typically on Apple and WhatsApp is growing rapidly even in the US

Meh, wrong twice, oh well....
I remember reading how big FB messenger and whatsapp were in the USA but they weren't compared with imessage, but further reading leads me to believe imessage is massive in the USA.

None of it bothers me, I use whatsapp more these days and sms less.

 

[Ludatyk]

Yes but for no minute should users think it's free, it's almost compulsory inclusion with a hidden price

When did I say anything about something being free?

It was a win win for carriers in so far you paid for both sms and data inclusion and Iphone favored E sending saving carriers sms costs and on occasion increasing costs for some users on sms/mms if they did not have it bundled etc

I don’t understand what you mean by it was a win for carriers. This idea of the iMessage help saved carriers SMS cost doesn’t make much sense. Carriers loved charging consumers for SMS fees, by the introduction of iMessage... they had to strategize on how to monetize their plans.

If you mean, by the success of the iPhone it helped carriers lock in contracts.. then yeah, that’s a hidden gain for them. But as far as iMessage goes, by the decline of SMS.. it pushed carriers toward shifting their cost towards data.

I do not believe iMessage was a product of Apple seeing this coming

I honestly believe so, not that they saw iMessage being such a huge success for them. But in how data has been such a huge proponent in our every day lives. From browsing the web to listening to music... communication was soon going to be a factor in that. And, iMessage helped Apple not only boost value in their ecosystem... but accelerated in the growth of instant message.

 

[SteveJUAE]

When did I say anything about something being free?

I don’t understand what you mean by it was a win for carriers. This idea of the iMessage help saved carriers SMS cost doesn’t make much sense. Carriers loved charging consumers for SMS fees, by the introduction of iMessage... they had to strategize on how to monetize their plans.

If you mean, by the success of the iPhone it helped carriers lock in contracts.. then yeah, that’s a hidden gain for them. But as far as iMessage goes, by the decline of SMS.. it pushed carriers toward shifting their cost towards data.

I honestly believe so, not that they saw iMessage being such a huge success for them. But in how data has been such a huge proponent in our every day lives. From browsing the web to listening to music... communication was soon going to be a factor in that. And, iMessage helped Apple not only boost value in their ecosystem... but accelerated in the growth of instant message.

Sorry you miss understand I was not contradicting you or suggesting otherwise

Carriers win win was they charged you for both sms and data but as iPhone favors sending by data many seldom use sms, so the carriers win as sms is totally under used, therefore it would simply more beneficial to them to sell Iphones knowing X percent would pay (bundled) sms and hardly use it

I believe this was a deliberate strategy to boost IPhone sales with carriers in US initially/early days.

I would say Imessage has turned out more of a burden for them now given the amount of traffic that no one could of predicted a few years back.

Imessege success is almost in one country only and probably a blessing in disguise given what the cost to support Imessage had it been a global success

 

[ian87w]

I think you are referring to preference? I could be wrong. But Apple was indeed clever with implementing iMessage into stock SMS app, which helped providing a convenience factor. I think without iMessage... apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Line, WeChat, etc. would have dominated the ”world” market.

Consumers grew tired of SMS and the fees attached with it as well as hardly no features were added to SMS, which helped messaging platforms succeed. But, just looking back over the history of Instant Messaging... company like Yahoo was the first to usher in that instantaneously idea (aside from AOL). Just imagine, if Yahoo actually took it seriously. Social media might looked differently.

In the end, it depends on what your friends and families are using.

The early instant messaging services like AOL/Yahoo/MSN messenger didn't succeed because they came from the desktop paradigm, where users have to sign up for an account first using email. That's actually a huge barrier in the mobile world. Meanwhile, whatsapp reduced that barrier to entry significantly by only requiring your phone number, which everybody already has. Thus the popularity of whatsapp.

 

[Ludatyk]

The early instant messaging services like AOL/Yahoo/MSN messenger didn't succeed because they came from the desktop paradigm, where users have to sign up for an account first using email. That's actually a huge barrier in the mobile world. Meanwhile, whatsapp reduced that barrier to entry significantly by only requiring your phone number, which everybody already has. Thus the popularity of whatsapp.

Meh, I just think Yahoo missed the train. They could of easily implemented a system based off phone number entry sign up. They had the brand name appeal, I just think they didn't take it seriously.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Meh, wrong twice, oh well....
I remember reading how big FB messenger and whatsapp were in the USA but they weren't compared with imessage, but further reading leads go me to believe imessage is massive in the USA.

None of it bothers me, I use whatsapp more these days and sms less.

I think iMessage is a US/Canadian phenomenon. Outside of these places it’s quite insignificant.

 

[ian87w]

Meh, I just think Yahoo missed the train. They could of easily implemented a system based off phone number entry sign up. They had the brand name appeal, I just think they didn't take it seriously.

Just like how Nokia and Blackberry missed the train on touch UI. The wheel keeps on turning.

 

[Schismz]

I do realize I am a unique case being in the US where iMessage is dominant and about 95% of the people I message regularly use iOS. I've tried the whole thing of getting people to try other apps but when they do 99% of their messaging in the iOS Messages app they will just naturally, and understandably, default back to that when sending messages to me as well. When it's text it doesn't matter, but when my mom sends a video of my kids playing or my brother sends a video of my nephew playing football I feel guilty for it coming through grainy.
I am one that would gladly pay a monthly subscription fee to have iMessage and FaceTime on my Pixel phone, but I don't think there is enough incentive for Apple to ever do that.

I use Messages continuously and strongly prefer it/have 90% of the people I communicate with using it. It would be nice if there was some possible way to avoid having eleventeen IM apps, but so far have had no luck. WhatsApp was a great messaging app, but Facebook buying them ruined that for me, I will not allow access to my contacts to their survellience capitalism train-wreck, so opting out of that I'm left with an endless stream of phone #'s without names attached, when I need to communicate with people who insist on using it. Then there are the people who will use nothing but Signal, or only live on Telegram, etc, etc, so inevitably it turns into this mess of missed communications because I can't be bothered to check every single app.

This isn't really an iPhone vs. Android issue, have many friends who are on Android because they prefer it -- and honestly if you're comparing high-end Android phones vs. iPhones, and don't intend to hold onto your phone for longer than 3 years, it just comes down to whatever you prefer -- I'm over on iPhone because I'm locked into Apple's ecosystem; and totally fine with that, it's more of a general complaint about the state of messaging apps in 2021.

Apropos of nothing whatsoever and unrelated to iPhone vs. Android, more than anything I'm sad that Facebook acquired Oculus, because it means I will never buy an Oculus, which was/is pretty awesome, but I'm allergic to everything about Facebook except owning and/or shorting their stock (depending on situation).

 

[Awesomesince86]

Meh, wrong twice, oh well....
I remember reading how big FB messenger and whatsapp were in the USA but they weren't compared with imessage, but further reading leads me to believe imessage is massive in the USA.

None of it bothers me, I use whatsapp more these days and sms less.

Whatsapp and FB messanger are both far superior to SMS/MMS, but that average consumer in the US either doesnt even know there is an alternative to SMS/MMS or doesnt care. Its become one of those things that just works, albeit in a very limited way, so people dont question it. For those of us that do know, its a struggle to try and get people to use a secondary messaging platform other than SMS/MMS that theyre already used to and still need to use for a majority of communications. Thats partly why iMessage is heralded so much in the US, because compared to SMS/MMS its so superior. But compared to other messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage is nothing special.

For something like Whatsapp to catch on in the US, it would need to be the default messaging app on a major flagship phone. For example, if Samsung stopped including their stock messaging app on started including only Whatsapp, the adoption rate would get high enough where people would start to leave SMS/MMS behind. However, SMS/MMS has gotten a lot better since Android basically forced RCS on the carriers. I know people talk like iMessage is so much better than Android RCS but they are literally the exact same thing just with different interfaces.

 

[Ludatyk]

However, SMS/MMS has gotten a lot better since Android basically forced RCS on the carriers. I know people talk like iMessage is so much better than Android RCS but they are literally the exact same thing just with different interfaces.

Google is making strides to make SMS/MMS as feature rich as iMessage, but on my end... Samsung is not following the lead.

I like using Samsung Messages over Google Messages when it comes to SMS apps and supposedly Samsung Messages has RCS built in. But unfortunately, me and a buddy of mine... are unable to experience RCS. He's using Samsung Messages as well.

I've been following Google with RCS and I'm aware they are constantly trying to improve on the service, however.... they fighting a uphill climb. Not only do they have to battle with carriers, but phone manufactures like Samsung as well.