The capability allows users of Apple devices to receive Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages on multiple devices, such as iPads or Macs, that are originally sent to an iPhone. For instance, a text message sent to an iPhone can also appear on a linked iPad, facilitating seamless communication across a user’s ecosystem.
This feature offers considerable convenience by ensuring that important communications are accessible regardless of which device is readily available. Historically, text messages were confined to cellular phones. The introduction of this functionality extended the reach of SMS/MMS, unifying communication across different Apple platforms and mitigating the risk of missed messages when the primary device is inaccessible.