I asked if people chose iPhone for the blue bubbles elsewhere a couple days ago, and while there was some good discourse on that post, the blue bubbles definitely also came up as a reason.

In my experience, when people find out my texts are green, they oftentimes would rather switch to a different platform altogether like Instagram or just not text at all.

Is this actually a deal-breaker in friendships out there?

  • zumi@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    126·
    1 year ago

    iPhone user here. Not a dealbreaker, but I can explain why some people may want to switch platforms. Blue bubble iMessages go out over the Internet–wifi, cell data, whatever. Green bubbles need cell signal and go over the cell network as an SMS, Blue bubbles can go out over cell network (via data), but they also can go out via wifi.

    For me this means green bubbles cause a couple issues:

    • Many places I go do not have cell coverage. Sometimes its a dead area because of mountains, sometimes its an office building that is too thick. In both cases, iMessage blue bubbles still work. Green bubbles do not.
    • When I travel internationally I might not purchase an International plan. But you can bet the hotel I am staying at and most bars/restaurants I can go to have wifi. This means I can still communicate without buying a SIM card or purchasing a data plan. FURTHER, even if I did purchase a SIM card, now we are talking international SMS messages which cost a ton.

    Now not a dealbreaker. I just move those conversations to Whatapp, Messenger, Line, KakaoTalk, whatever. It’s not a big deal. And definitely not a dealbreaker. If it’s a dealbreaker for someone that should be a red flag.

    I can still be friends with someone even if they did choose the wrong phone ;) /s

    • LonelyWendigo@lemmy.worldEnglish
      12·
      1 year ago

      I’m an android user that’s been messaging and calling over the internet using the default messaging and calling apps for years. What you’re describing isn’t an android limitation, it’s a vendor comparability and standards issue. And I’ve had just as many problems with iphone users breaking my group texts among android using groups. The fact is that sms on iPhone is broken by design, but because you’re all broken in the same way you won’t see it.

      • deweydecibel@lemmy.worldEnglish
        5·
        1 year ago

        The above comment is a perfect example of the biggest issue: iPhone users don’t understand what’s happening and blame Android for it.

    • PixelPassport@chat.maiion.comEnglish
      5·
      1 year ago

      This is exactly why I’ll never buy from Apple, the first problem in addition to the horrible contrast is intentionally caused by them so you will think other services are inferior. Either that or it’s your cell provider, I’ve been able to text and call over Wi-Fi for years.

      Google FI also works with networks from all over the world for no extra cost so that’s really nice for international travel.