When a friend points out that someone does not use iMessage, the conversation can turn awkward fast. You want to keep the tone friendly, avoid sounding judgmental yourself, and steer the talk toward respect for personal choice. Below are practical ways to respond, plus ready‑made sentences you can copy‑paste into the chat.
Understand why the comment was made
First, pause and think about the motive. Is the friend teasing, venting, or simply unaware that not everyone has an Apple device? A quick mental check helps you choose a calm reply instead of a defensive one.
I get why you mentioned it, but not everyone has the same phone.
It sounds like you’re frustrated with the extra steps, yet many people prefer other platforms.
Acknowledge the feeling, then redirect
People often want their frustration heard. Show you heard them, then gently shift the focus to the bigger picture.
I see you’re annoyed by the extra texts, however there are many good reasons people stick with their current app.
Your point about delivery receipts is clear, still many friends enjoy the simplicity of other services.
I understand the hassle you described, yet it’s okay if someone chooses a different chat tool.
Offer a neutral fact
Sometimes a simple fact can defuse tension. Mention that iMessage works only on Apple devices and that alternatives are perfectly functional.
iMessage only runs on Apple phones, so anyone using Android can’t join that network.
There are apps that give read receipts too, just not the same look as iMessage.
The app you prefer needs an Apple ID, which not everyone wants to set up.
Use humor carefully
A light joke can break the ice, as long as it doesn’t mock the other person.
Looks like the iMessage club is exclusive, maybe we should start a non‑iMessage squad.
If we all switched to carrier pigeons, we’d avoid this debate entirely.
Guess we’re living in a world where emojis have more loyalty than phones.
Suggest a compromise
If the chat is about group messages, propose a solution that works for everyone.
How about we create a group on a cross‑platform app for the next meetup?
Maybe we can keep the main thread on iMessage and add a backup channel for others.
Let’s try a test run on a different app and see if it feels smoother.
Set a personal boundary
If the friend keeps pushing the point, it’s fine to state your limits.
I prefer not to discuss phone choices, let’s talk about the weekend plans instead.
I’m comfortable with the current chat setup, so I’ll skip the tech talk.
Let’s keep the focus on the event, not on which app we use.
Encourage empathy
Remind the friend that everyone’s situation is unique.
Think about how it feels when someone comments on your taste in music, it can be similar.
Everyone picks a tool that fits their budget and habits, respecting that helps us stay close.
Imagine you were the one without the latest phone, you’d probably appreciate a kind comment.
Turn the comment into a learning moment
If you feel the conversation can stay constructive, share a quick tip.
Did you know you can send iMessage‑like bubbles on some Android apps?
There’s a setting that shows when a message is read, even if it’s not iMessage.
A few apps let you customize the look of your chats, which might be fun to explore.
Close with a positive note
End the exchange on a friendly vibe so the topic doesn’t linger.
Thanks for sharing your view, I’m glad we can talk about it openly.
App preferences aside, I’m excited for our dinner tomorrow.
Let’s catch up later, I’ll bring the dessert regardless of the chat app.
Quick‑reference list of ready‑to‑use replies
I get why you mentioned it, but not everyone has the same phone.
It sounds like you’re frustrated with the extra steps, yet many people prefer other platforms.
I see you’re annoyed by the extra texts, however there are many good reasons people stick with their current app.
Your point about delivery receipts is clear, still many friends enjoy the simplicity of other services.
I understand the hassle you described, yet it’s okay if someone chooses a different chat tool.
iMessage only runs on Apple phones, so anyone using Android can’t join that network.
There are apps that give read receipts too, just not the same look as iMessage.
The app you prefer needs an Apple ID, which not everyone wants to set up.
Looks like the iMessage club is exclusive, maybe we should start a non‑iMessage squad.
If we all switched to carrier pigeons, we’d avoid this debate entirely.
Guess we’re living in a world where emojis have more loyalty than phones.
How about we create a group on a cross‑platform app for the next meetup?
Maybe we can keep the main thread on iMessage and add a backup channel for others.
Let’s try a test run on a different app and see if it feels smoother.
I prefer not to discuss phone choices, let’s talk about the weekend plans instead.
I’m comfortable with the current chat setup, so I’ll skip the tech talk.
Let’s keep the focus on the event, not on which app we use.
Think about how it feels when someone comments on your taste in music, it can be similar.
Everyone picks a tool that fits their budget and habits, respecting that helps us stay close.
Imagine you were the one without the latest phone, you’d probably appreciate a kind comment.
Did you know you can send iMessage‑like bubbles on some Android apps?
There’s a setting that shows when a message is read, even if it isn’t iMessage.
A few apps let you customize the look of your chats, which might be fun to explore.
Thanks for sharing your view, I’m glad we can talk about it openly.
App preferences aside, I’m excited for our dinner tomorrow.
Let’s catch up later, I’ll bring the dessert regardless of the chat app.
By using these steps and sentences, you keep the conversation respectful, avoid unnecessary drama, and maintain a good vibe with your friend. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the chat, not to win a tech debate.
Be kind ❤
