eSAFETY GUIDE

Apple Messages

13+
Minimum age according to Apple
13+ Minimum age according to Apple

What is Apple Messages?

Messages (or iMessage) is a messaging service used across Apple devices. It allows you to send text, video, photos, documents, emojis, transfers through Apple Cash and other forms of content when using Apple devices. You can also make voice and video calls through FaceTime[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/facetime] or use Siri[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/siri] to send messages and make calls.

Other features include a check-in service which lets your family and friends know when you have arrived safely at a location. You can unsend a message for up to two minutes after sending it. You can also edit a message for up to 15 minutes after sending it, and the person who receives it can see that it has been edited. Read receipts, or the ability to see when someone has read a message, can also be switched on for all your contacts or you can choose who receives read receipts.

You can switch on a Sensitive Content Warning feature in your device's settings to flag inappropriate content such as nude images. Australians are also able to report nude images directly to Apple. 

Communication Safety, which prevents children from viewing or sharing photos or videos that contain nudity, is switched on by default for the accounts of Australian children under 13 who are part of a Family SharingExternal link[https://www.apple.com/au/family-sharing/] group. Children who are 13 or older and adults can opt-in to Sensitive Content Warnings.

Website: support.apple.com/en-au/104982External link[https://support.apple.com/en-au/104982]

Apps: Apple iOS appExternal link[https://apps.apple.com/au/app/messages/id1146560473]

How do people use Apple Messages?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use messaging apps like Apple Messages.

Messages is used for: encrypted[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/encrypted], location sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/location-sharing], messaging/online chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/online-chat-video-chat], photo/video sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/photo-and-video-sharing], screen capture[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/screen-capture] and video calling[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/online-chat-video-chat].

How can you report online abuse, ask for content to be removed or block someone?

This link is provided by Apple:

  • Block, filter or report messagesExternal link[https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/iphone/iph203ab0be4/ios]
    Information on how to block messages from a particular person, how to filter messages from unknown senders and how to report spam or junk messages.

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Apple:

  • Privacy policyExternal link[https://www.apple.com/au/legal/privacy/]
    The types of data that are collected by Apple operating systems and apps, including Messages, and how this data is used.
  • Family privacy disclosure for childrenExternal link[https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/en-ww/parent-disclosure/]
    The privacy rules that govern children’s accounts, including parental controls and family sharing settings.
  • Messages and privacyExternal link[https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/messages/]
    Information on how the data contained in your conversations is managed.

These links are provided by Apple:

  • Messages supportExternal link[https://apps.apple.com/au/app/messages/id1146560473]
    Information on how to use Messages and tackle specific issues when using this service.
  • Sensitive content warningExternal link[https://support.apple.com/en-au/105071]
    How to turn on Sensitive Content Warnings for messages that may contain nudity.
  • Communication safetyExternal link[https://support.apple.com/en-au/105069]
    How to activate Communication Safety in your child’s device to prevent them from seeing or sending messages containing nudity.
  • Family sharingExternal link[https://www.apple.com/au/family-sharing/]
    Advice on how to use family sharing to services and features between up to six family members.
  • Parental controlsExternal link[https://support.apple.com/en-au/105121]
    How to set up and use parental controls on your child’s Apple device.

Last updated: 07/03/2025

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parentsExternal link, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and appsExternal link and mental wellbeing resources for familiesExternal link.