Messages vs. Messages+: Which iPhone App Wins in 2024?
Messages is Apple’s default texting app; Messages+ is Verizon’s re-branded Message+—a separate app that piggybacks on carrier networks and cloud sync, not iMessage.
Confusion hits when Verizon users install Messages+ on iPhone hoping for blue-bubble magic, only to find two apps with nearly identical icons and names fighting for default status.
Key Differences
Messages rides Apple’s encrypted iMessage servers, syncs across iCloud, and drops to SMS only when needed. Messages+ stores texts on Verizon’s cloud, supports scheduled messages, but loses end-to-end encryption and can’t send iMessages at all.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you live in Apple’s ecosystem, stick with Messages—RCS and iMessage keep everything seamless. Only grab Messages+ if you’re on Verizon Android or need cross-carrier backup; on iPhone it’s redundant bloat.
Can I disable Messages+?
Yes—long-press the Messages+ icon, tap Delete App, then set Messages as default in Settings > Messages.
Will I lose texts if I switch?
No; iCloud backs up native Messages automatically, while Messages+ exports to a Verizon cloud file you can download.