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I totally agree with this. iMessage as a stand alone business would be super valuable. WhatsApp is valuable because so many people use it. Chase the network effect or it will crush you.

Worst cast make people pay for some apple services to get iMessage if you really want to. They really are repeating RIM's mistake here.

iMessage would be trusted, largely spam free, etc.

My wife is now on Google Duo because it IS cross platform. WhatsApp and Telegram as well. These messaging networks are natural monopolies. So now I am on Duo etc. I just wish her parents could have installed iMessage on their phones - then apple could have charged us all $5/month for some type of family (10 person) plan.