Apple originally introduced iMessage with iOS 5 in mid-2011, giving iOS users a new way to communicate with one another without relying on traditional text messages. The platform includes delivery and read receipts, support for Mac OS X and iPad and more.
However, users have long complained that switching from iOS and iMessage to a different mobile platform can cause users to lose the ability to receive text messages because they’re unable to disassociate their phone number with iMessage. They then have to wait 30 days or more for Apple’s system to disassociate their phone number. Thankfully, Apple has finally address this problem.
Apple now offers a web tool that allows users to easily disconnect their phone number from Apple’s iMessage system. All that you have to do is enter your phone number on Apple’s website and then enter the 6-digit confirmation code that the Cupertino firm sends you in a text message.
Apple has tried to help iOS users disconnect their phone number from iMessage in the past, but typically it required them to deregister their account from their Apple devices and have their friends delete any previous text message conversations from their phones. This new method is much, much simpler. And while it may not be a tool that every person uses all of the time, it’ll certainly make life easier for folks if they do decide to jump from the iOS ship.