Free SMS Messaging Apps For iPhone Users

Scared of using SMS messaging? Use these apps instead. (Photo: Flickr / davidchief)

Recently, and SMS security flaw in the iPhone has caused quite a concern for iPhone users. According to reports online, Apple iPhone's are have a gaping security flaw that can be very harmful. After news of this new SMS security issue, users have been panicking. However, there are other services you can use that can replace SMS messaging, and have more features. Here are a few substitutes for SMS messages that users can use that instead.

iMessage

Obvious, I know. But iMessage is really, really, useful, especially with the release Mountain Lion. Now, iMessage users can talk to their friends from both their phones and their computers. Not only that but iMessage is supported by Apple and, according to Apple, is very secure, as they told Engadget, "Apple takes security very seriously. When using iMessage instead of SMS, addresses are verified which protects against these kinds of spoofing attacks. One of the limitations of SMS is that it allows messages to be sent with spoofed addresses to any phone, so we urge customers to be extremely careful if they're directed to an unknown website or address over SMS." Of course, any company would promote their own products. But, iMessage is a lot safer to use than regular SMS texting, and aren't susceptible to the same security flaw. Also, iMessage allows users to send photos and videos from their account, on their computer or phone, to other users, and have a fantastic group chat feature that works great. For users wary of using SMS texting, iMessage is a great alternative that's already in your phone. 

Skype

Skype, the popular video-conferencing application, also has an iOS app that is available in the App Store for free. Just like the application that you can use on your Windows or Mac computer, the iOS app lets you communicate with other Skype users for free, including video chatting with them using your mobile device. While the mobile application is not as popular as its desktop counterpart, Skype for iOS can be useful. You can communicate with other Skype users for free, and, for a small fee, sends text messages to your contacts. Also, Skype recently added a feature that can send pictures within the instant messages to other users, helping it keep on pace with competitors like WhatsApp. The app might also be useful for AT&T users, who will be charged for FaceTime-ing with their contacts over a wi-fi connection. Skype allows you to do this without any other charge, but it does eat up a considerable amount of your data. 

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is app that lets you communicate with your friends for free, no matter what phone they have. As long as you have app installed on your phone, you can send pictures, video, and text messages your friends. In addition, WhatsApp is capable of group chat's, which is the best part of the app. Simple and efficient, the group chat feature is almost perfect. As of now, WhatsApp works with Android, iOS, Blackberry, Nokia S40's, Symbian, and Windows phones, which should cover 90% to 95% of your contact list. The app is also popular among college students, who use the app to communicate with friends abroad with no added charges showing up on their phone bill. WhatsApp is perfect for users who have friends who don't have iMessage, but don't want to use SMS text's to contact them. WhatsApp is available in the App Store for a one-time charge 99 cents. For other devices, WhatsApp is available for free for one year, then a yearly one dollar charge is applied. 

Google Voice

Google Voice is a service provided by Google for iOS devices to instant message. With a simple user interface, Google Voice can fulfill all of your text message and calling needs. Google Voice provides users with free unlimited text messaging with any mobile phone, and users can also make phone calls with Google Voice for free as well. There are other features as well, like full integration with your contact list or Google Address Book, voicemail transcription, and cheap long distance calling. Google Voice is a comprehensive application for iOS that can not only replace your insecure text messaging, but has a lot of other features available as well. 

These very inexpensive services can help you move away from regular SMS messaging and find a more secure method of communicating with your contacts. Remember that, while these app's don't use up your text messages, some of them may use a large amount of data. For those who have limited data on your iPhone, be wary of how much data you use.