As the instant messaging segment is growing in popularity, the use of SMS and MMS is decreasing. Today, popular instant messaging apps for iPhone allow you to send photos, videos, file attachments, etc., all via the internet. If that’s not enough for you, you will also have the option to make voice/video calls.
If you have just purchased a new iPhone or are looking for the best instant messaging apps to connect with your friends, check out all the options you have.
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is probably the best and most popular instant messaging app for iOS devices. It can be downloaded for free from the iOS app store and offers many amazing and useful features.
With WhatsApp, you can exchange text messages, make voice and video calls, send stickers in chats, make group voice/video calls, send file attachments, etc. The app is cross-platform supported and is one of the best in the instant messaging segment.
2. Messenger
WhatsApp and Messenger are owned by the same company – Meta (Facebook). So, just like WhatsApp, Messenger also allows you to exchange text messages. However, the catch is that you can only message your Facebook friends.
Apart from messaging, Messenger also allows you to make voice/video calls, send GIFs in chats, change the chat theme, and more. Overall, Messenger is the best messaging app for iPhone that you can use today.
3. Telegram
Although not as popular as WhatsApp, Telegram is still one of the best messaging and chat apps for iOS devices. It is available for all platforms, including Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS.
Like Messenger and WhatsApp, Telegram also includes voice and video call support. The app even offers the option to start an end-to-end encrypted chat.
Apart from that, Telegram is mainly known for its channel-specific features. You can find and join various Telegram Channels to meet your needs.
4. Skype
Many don’t consider Skype an instant messaging app; it still has a text chat option. In fact, Skype also has support for group chats, and it’s known for its excellent cross-platform support.
Skype provides emoticons, GIFs, and images from the web to liven up your conversation if we discuss the chat features. Overall, Skype is a great instant messaging app for iPhones.
5. iMessage
iMessage is Apple’s messaging app, an obvious choice for many iOS users. With iMessage, you can exchange messages with other iOS and macOS users. The only downside of iMessage is that it isn’t cross-platform supported.
iMessage for iOS offers useful and exciting features such as invisible links, screen effects, sending photos, media files, etc. This is one feature-rich messaging app that you can use on your iPhone.
6. Snapchat
Snapchat is not an app known for its text messaging; it’s something different. It’s a photo & video sharing app where you can share photos & videos that last only 24 hours.
The same goes for text messaging. You can send messages to your Snapchat friends, but the messages get deleted once viewed, so there’s no message history. In addition, you also get video chat and group video chat options.
7. Signal Private Messenger
If you want a privacy-focused messaging app for your iPhone, try Signal Private Messenger. It’s a full-featured messaging app with many privacy options.
You can exchange text messages, make voice and video calls, share files, and do more with Signal Private Messenger. All chats were end-to-end encrypted to keep your conversations secure.
8. Viber
Viber is an app known for messaging, calling, group chats, video messages, and video chat features. While the app is not popular in some regions, it’s still one of the best messenger apps for iPhone.
If we talk about the chat features, all chats and group chats on Viber are end-to-end encrypted, allowing you to communicate confidently, knowing that all private messages are private.
It also offers many useful messaging features, such as reacting to messages, self-destructing messages, etc.
9. Threema
Threema is one of the best and most versatile private messaging apps available today. This open-source application allows you to make end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls and exchange text messages.
It uses encryption by default for communications, including messages, voice & video calls, group chats, media files, and even status messages.
Threema even lets you share videos, pictures, and location details on chats. You can also create groups, conduct polls, switch chat themes, and more.
10. Wickr Me – Private Messenger
If privacy is your top priority, Wickr Me – Private Messenger could be your perfect pick. Wickr Me – Private Messenger lets you exchange messages with your loved one in 1:1 or groups. While Wickr Me – Private Messenger is not as popular as other leading chat apps, it’s something different and has many useful features to offer.
It also has other communication features, such as voice calling & memos. Everything in this app is fully encrypted with a new key, making it almost impossible to break.
11. GroupMe
GroupMe is less popular than all other messaging apps for iPhone, but it’s a great, fun app. It’s a simple messaging app that allows you to chat with friends or family.
On GroupMe, you can create a group and add your friends to it. You can add members to a group via their phone number or email address. If the contact doesn’t have the GroupMe app installed, they can chat with you via SMS.
The only drawback of GroupMe is that it’s less secure and private than other iPhone messaging apps.
12. Dust
If you are searching for a secret messaging app for your iPhone, look no further than Dust. It’s one of the most secure messenger apps available on the Apple app store.
The app is free to download, and all messages you exchange using the app are set to auto-delete after 24 hours. So, basically, you leave no trace of yours on the app.
Dust also provides other messaging features, such as a message self-destruct timer, the ability to recall sent messages, and a notification when someone takes a screenshot of your sent messages.
13. Discord
Discord is a chat app designed for gamers. It is available for desktop and mobile and aims to keep gamers connected while they play together.
While Discord is never meant for personal messaging, the app can still be used for personal communications. So, if you want a fast & secure messaging app for iPhone, Discord could be your perfect pick.
14. KakaoTalk
KakaoTalk is the ultimate messaging & video calling app for iPhone. The app is already used by over 150 million users worldwide.
With KakaoTalk, you can participate in simple one-on-one chats or make group chats with unlimited number of friends. The messaging app also lets you see who reads your messages with the unread count feature.
15. Line
Line might have lost popularity, but it’s still one of the best messaging apps. With over 230 million active monthly users worldwide, Line is easily one of the most popular messaging apps in the world.
Apart from basic text messaging, the app has a few social networking features, like a timeline where you can post and your friends can comment on your posts. Video and voice calling options are also available on the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest chat app for iPhone?
When it comes to the best and most secure chat app for iPhone, Signal is definitely the best pick. The Signal app provides better privacy features than other messaging apps.
Is there a better messaging app than iMessage?
On Apple’s ecosystem, iMessage is the best messaging option. However, you have other options as well, like WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, etc., which let you connect with your friends using Android.
Is WhatsApp safer than iMessage?
Both WhatsApp and iMessage provide features to safeguard user’s privacy. However, if you’re an iPhone user, iMessage is the best option, provided it has better compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem.
Is Telegram Better than WhatsApp?
Both are instant messaging apps, but they focus on different sections. Telegram is great for group chat and file sharing, whereas WhatsApp is best for all instant messaging needs.
You can start messaging your loved ones with these free iOS messaging apps. So, these are some of the best messenger and chat apps for iPhone. If you know of other such chat apps, let us know in the comment box below.