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There’s iMessage the app and then there’s the proprietary Apple Push Notification Service. that Apple use in its implementation.

The iMessage app is incompatible with non Apple devices - there is no iMessage app available period outside of those that run on Apple operating systems.

The APN is not licensed for “public” third party usage unless permission is explicitly and expressly granted by Apple.

So yes, your non Apple device is 100% incompatible with iMessage, and unauthorized usage of the underlying APNs is illegal under the Apple Terms of Service.




So if I write an Android app that polls for messages, or uses my own notifier, that's fine by Apple? They'll leave it be?


What?

I never said that. The Apple iMessage APNS is proprietary - and Apple explicitly state it cannot be used without their blessing.

In addition Apple have the right to terminate any Apple IDs that they feel are being used to circumnavigate their approved service access.

I’d be grateful if you’d stop putting words into my mouth here. I’m not claiming any analogies- just facts.




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