> iMessage is one of Apple’s most valuable psychological tricks to keep people within the ecosystem, or convert others to join in.
Perhaps a kernel of truth there, but the real success of iMessage is how it gives you all the features of a modern instant messaging platform without any hassle. Built in to the phone, same app as SMS with automatic fallback, available on MacOS, not limited to a phone#, etc.
Yeah, I can go download one of a number of other IM apps. A small fraction of people I interact with will be reachable on any given app, but a majority are reachable with iMessage. The network effect is very real.
Perhaps a kernel of truth there, but the real success of iMessage is how it gives you all the features of a modern instant messaging platform without any hassle. Built in to the phone, same app as SMS with automatic fallback, available on MacOS, not limited to a phone#, etc.
Yeah, I can go download one of a number of other IM apps. A small fraction of people I interact with will be reachable on any given app, but a majority are reachable with iMessage. The network effect is very real.