Apple has released a web tool that allows users to deregister from its iMessage service even if they no longer have an iPhone.
To deregister from iMessage, users simply have to enter their phone number into the Apple support page and then type in a verification code to confirm.
The procedure is likely to end much aggravation for users who forget to switch off iMessage before switching to another device. (Settings > Messages and turning off iMessage).
Those who decide to jump ship from iPhones to Android, BlackBerry or Windows Phone often find they cannot receive text messages from iOS users on their new smartphone.
The problem occurs because Apple continues to route messages from iPhones through its proprietary iMessage platform.
This means text messages are often left undelivered as iMessages do not show up on non-iOS devices. Although the problem can be mitigated by using popular third-party cross-platform services, such as Whatsapp, the creation of a fix has been long overdue.
Users first reported the problem in 2011 and Apple is likely to have been spurred into offering this after a class action lawsuit was filed in California earlier this year. It was alleged that Apple violates mobile contracts by failing to deliver text messages.
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