Why doesn't iPhone provide delivery reports for regular SMS (non-iMessage)?

I understand that iMessage has delivery and read status, but regular SMS is still widely used, especially when communicating with Android users.

Even many old non-smart mobile phones had an option to request an SMS delivery report. Why doesn't iPhone offer the same option for regular SMS?

Is there a technical limitation, or is this simply a feature Apple has chosen not to provide? It would be very useful to know whether a regular SMS was actually delivered to the recipient's device.

Posted on Sep 19, 2026 2:31 AM

1 reply

Ingo2711

Level 10 (93,009 points)

Sep 19, 2026 4:39 AM in response to patrick_star_20

The recipient has to enable the option to send the Read Receipts in the settings for Messages on their device.

If they do that, you will be notified automatically. If the recipient does not want to send those read receipts, there is nothing you can do from your side.

Turn read receipts on or off in Messages on iPhone - Apple Support