Just as an iPhone may not be ideal for video editing and other complex Mac tasks, something similar happens with apps like iOS messaging on macOS. It is more practical and useful to have these apps installed on our phones and even tablets, since we can take the devices anywhere and continue communicating with our family, friends and acquaintances. However, it can also be useful to have access to these on the computer when we are with it and it is tedious to have to take out the iPhone. For this reason, in this article we will tell you which of the main messaging applications have a Mac version.
Apple messages, what you should know
This service may not be as widespread as the rest that will appear in this article, but there is no doubt that it can be tremendously useful. Its Mac version not only allows you to send and receive iMessage, but it can also be synchronized with the classic SMS that we receive on our iPhone. Perhaps its main drawback is that even macOS Big Sur has not been redesigned and in previous versions it has a simpler interface, but with fewer functions. The good thing about this application is that it is already installed as standard on the Mac.
Two possibilities to have WhatsApp on Mac
The world’s most popular messaging application is widespread on iOS and Android, but perhaps not as much is known about it in computer versions. Possibly you have ever heard of WhatsApp Web, a service accessible from the browser of computers such as the Mac and that allows access to our chats. This option may be interesting, but we think its dedicated application in macOS is more interesting, which is easily installed and it is not necessary to have to link the phone every time. In fact you can have a direct access to it in the dock to use it whenever you want.
Telegram with a full version on macOS
The other great messaging application, possibly the most complete, also has versions for Mac. However, it is necessary to distinguish between two versions. The one that exists in the Mac App Store is a mobile version for the computer, with a simple interface and practically identical to the one found on iOS and Android. We believe that it is perhaps more worth installing the full desktop version in which the interface is already fully adapted to the Mac environment and has more powerful functions than the previous one.
Facebook Messenger also on the Mac App Store
Several years ago, Mark Zuckerberg’s company developed this messaging application linked to his popular social network. One of the great possibilities it has offered in recent years is to be used on computers such as Macs, in such a way that it can be a great alternative to the sober messaging service that we find on Facebook through its website. Its interface, despite being adapted to macOS, is very reminiscent of that of mobile versions and therefore it is very easy to use.
Line, Stickers service on macOS
Line is an application that landed very strongly in Spain thanks to the stickers it includes in its communication system. It allows you to make video and voice calls for free and in these you can share the Mac screen. These group calls can cover a total of 500 users, making meetings in a company much easier. The interface is fully adapted to macOS, transferring the experience you have on iPhone in a correct way.
WeChat leaves China and comes to macOS
This messaging service is extremely popular in China as it is able to carry out numerous payment and identification actions with this mobile app. Now the conversations that can be had in this service are transferred to the Mac itself with its version in the Mac App Store. It allows you to make group calls with numerous people as well as keep chats very similar to those you have on WhatsApp or Telegram. You will not have all the options that you have in the mobile version but as a messaging service for Mac it complies.
Signal with important security measures
If privacy is one of your priorities, Signal is the best messaging application you can have on your Mac. It includes state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption backed by Signal’s own open security code. This makes the chats totally safe over other services that we have discussed. The macOS experience is quite good with a simple interface, but it does what is expected of it. It is true that it is designed for professional environments but it can be downloaded and used by any type of user.
Skype could not be missing on Mac
Beyond being a messaging service inherited from the defunct Windows Live Messenger, this is one of the most used video calling services on the Internet. It allows you to exchange messages through individual or group chats in addition to making video calls within these communication channels. Its main functions on Mac are to be able to share screen, something very useful depending on what type of video calls.
Slack very designed for workgroups
If you are in a large work group, Slack will put all the conversations you are going to have order. Within this communication service you can create channels where you can put several people on a specific topic. In this way, all conversations can be classified so that they are not dispersed as can happen in group channels that are created in other services. It also integrates with different productivity tools so it is designed as we say for large work groups.
