iPhone users can name iMessage group texts and even add a group profile picture, but what happens when an Android user is part of the group?
iPhone users can name group texts on iMessage, but is this possible if an Android user is part of the group? Texting between iPhone and Android has been a contentious issue, at least for Google. Apple uses its iMessage platform, while Android uses RCS Messaging. Since iMessage only works with Apple's operating systems, texts to Android devices are sent as SMS or MMS. This means that sending texts over data isn't possible, and messages sent to non-iPhone users will appear with a green bubble instead of blue.
While iMessage does allow users to name a group text and even add a group photo, this only works if all the members of the group have an iPhone or iPad. If even one member uses an Android device, the group text cannot be named. Instead, the group text will just display the names of the members on top. The group cannot be assigned a profile picture either, and will only display the contact profile pictures, if available. Apple says that any SMS or MMS group texts can't be named, and neither can a conversation between two people, even if both use an iPhone.
It's worth noting that Apple supports two types of group texts with Android users. If sending a group SMS, attachments aren't supported, and any responses in the group chat are sent as individual messages, which means they can't be read by everyone in the group. To create an actual group chat, MMS messaging will need to be enabled on the iPhone. This will allow members to send and receive photos and videos, see responses by all members, and mute conversations. iMessage reactions will also be visible to Android users as emoji.
MMS messaging should be enabled by default, but if messages are still being sent as SMS, it might need to be turned on in Settings. To do this, open the Settings app and tap 'Messages.' Scroll down to 'SMS/MMS' and enable the toggle next to 'MMS Messaging.' Since the group text can't be named, the only way to make it easily accessible is by pinning the chat. To do this, long-press the group text in Messages and select 'Pin.' The group text will now be displayed at the top of the Messages app for easy access. To unpin it, long-press the chat again and tap 'Unpin.'
While iPhone users are stuck with iMessage's limitations, Android users aren't. On Android, users can name a group text that includes iPhone users. To do this, tap More (three dots) inside a group chat and select 'Group details.' Tap on the group name to edit it, enter the new name, and tap 'Ok.' It's worth noting that only the user can see the group name. Other members in the group (even if all use an Android phone) won't be able to see the same name, and will have to change it on their end. If the texting limitations between iPhone and Android are getting in the way of a functional group text, the best option is to use a third-party app like WhatsApp.
Source: Apple 1, 2
Can You Name A Group Text On iPhone With Android Users? – Screen Rant
