iMessage is Apple’s messaging service, built into the Messages app on iPhone and Mac. Conversations between Apple users are end-to-end encrypted by default, and an opt-in Contact Key Verification mode guards against impersonation.
iMessage
apple.com/imessage
Our take
For Apple-to-Apple chats it is end-to-end encrypted with no setup, which already beats plain SMS and the Meta apps for the average person. The honest limits keep it out of the top tier: anything to an Android phone falls back to unencrypted SMS, Apple holds the metadata of who you message and when, and iCloud Backup can stash your message keys unless Advanced Data Protection is on. Fine as the default among iPhone users. For cross-platform privacy, Signal is the real answer.
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iMessage alternatives
Signal Similar look and feel of WhatsApp and other commonly used messaging apps, makes switching easy. Signal requires your phone number as an personal identifier.
SimpleX Chat Decentralized messenger that assigns no identifier to users, not even a random number. Contacts are established via one-time invite links or QR codes, with all data stored on-device only.
Molly Hardened fork of Signal for Android that adds an encrypted local database, automatic RAM wiping on lock, and Tor/SOCKS proxy support via Orbot. Ships in two variants: one with FCM push and one fully FOSS without Google.
Session No phone number or email address is required to signup. Similar functionality like Element, but still in an earlier stage of development. Decentralized servers routed through…
Threema No native desktop apps available yet, but there is a web version for your browser. No phone number is required to signup but there is a payment involved to get the app.…
Briar Briar doesn't rely on a central server: messages are synchronized directly between the users' devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Online sync via the Tor network is possible, too.…