iMessage has long been a favorite messaging app, but its limitations have begun to outweigh its benefits. From terrible cross-platform messaging experiences to file sharing frustrations, many people eventually choose to give up. This is why many people stopped using iMessage as their primary messaging app.
1. Poor cross-platform messaging experience
When Apple adopted RCS (Rich Communication Services), they felt it was a step in the right direction. Many hope it will erase the long-standing divide between iPhone and Android users. Features like high-quality media sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts are now available on all platforms. On paper, this seems like a turning point for cross-platform messaging.
But in reality it is far from perfect. While RCS has many improvements, it still doesn't provide the seamless experience many expect. One major drawback is the lack of end-to-end encryption for messages exchanged between the iPhone and Android device. This means sensitive chats may not be as secure as those sent using iMessage or WhatsApp, raising privacy concerns.
Group chat also remains a pain point. In mixed-platform teams, issues like inconsistent read receipts and broken online replies can quickly disrupt the flow of conversation. Even with RCS in the mix, the messaging experience between iOS and Android users still feels clumsy and outdated compared to modern alternatives.
2. Sharing files on iMessage still has major limitations
Although iMessage has improved its file sharing capabilities over the years, there are still significant shortcomings that make it less practical than other instant messaging applications.
One big limitation is how tightly iMessage's advanced features are tied into the Apple ecosystem. For example, while iCloud integration allows you to share files up to 100GB, this functionality is only seamless when sending to other Apple devices. Sharing large files with Android users or those outside the ecosystem often requires additional steps, such as exporting to third-party services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Another persistent problem is video sharing. By default, iMessage compresses videos, reducing quality to save bandwidth. While newer iOS versions include the option Copy and Send Original to send uncompressed media files, this feature is not publicly available. In fact, it's hidden in the interface, making it inconvenient to access.
Cross-platform limitations are perhaps the most obvious error. Unlike apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, which maintain consistent file sharing regardless of the recipient's device, iMessage's functionality is significantly reduced when interacting with Android users. This creates unnecessary barriers and makes effective file sharing more difficult.
3. Switching to Android means losing messages
One of the biggest downsides to iMessage is that it ties you deeply into Apple's ecosystem. If you decide to switch to Android, you'll face a major hurdle: messages don't come with you. Apple doesn't offer an easy way to transfer iMessage history to Android, meaning years of chats can easily be lost.
For someone who values continuity, this is an important issue. iMessage history includes meaningful conversations with family, work discussions, and countless moments you don't want to lose. Sure, there are third-party tools that claim to be able to transfer your iMessages to Android, but they're often cumbersome, unreliable, or quite pricey.
On the other hand, apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are much more flexible. Both let you back up your chat history to the cloud – WhatsApp with Google Drive or iCloud and Telegram by default. This means you can switch devices or platforms without worrying about losing years of chat content.
Not being able to take your iMessage history with you if you leave the Apple ecosystem makes many people feel limited. This is a big turn-off for anyone who values the platform's versatility – another reason why many people no longer use iMessage as their primary messaging app.
Giving up iMessage as your primary messaging app was not an easy decision. It's a mature service with great integration for Apple users, but its limitations become all too apparent as communication needs grow.
If you feel similarly limited by iMessage, it might be time to explore other options. You may find that there is a better messaging app waiting to simplify your life.
