I am not receiving photos and messages

Types of group text messages

There are three types of group messages that you might see: group iMessage, group MMS, and group SMS. The Messages app automatically chooses the type of group message to send based on settings, network connection, and carrier plan.

For example:

• If you and your recipients are using Apple devices and iMessage is turned on, then the group message is sent as an iMessage. The limit of iMessage group on an iPhone is 32.
• If you send a group message to people who aren't using iMessage, then the message is sent as an MMS or SMS message. The limit depends on the Carrier. Please contact them.

Group iMessage: Sometimes, if iMessage isn't fully activated or there's an issue with your Apple ID, it can cause weird group chat behavior. Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and ensure your Apple ID is properly listed, and that all the phone numbers and email addresses you want to use for iMessage are checked. Activate iMessage and FaceTime using your… - Apple Community

Group SMS: You need to have an SMS/MMS plan enabled by your carrier for the SIM/eSIM that you use on your device. Apple Inc. does not provide SMS/MMS services.

If you are not receiving photos, videos, or other media in a group conversation, the issue may be that the conversation is being sent as a Group MMS rather than an iMessage group. In that case, your mobile carrier must support and provision MMS messaging on your number, and MMS must also be enabled on your iPhone.

Similarly, Group SMS messages depend on your mobile carrier providing SMS service for your number. If SMS service is not activated or supported by your carrier, you may not be able to send or receive Group SMS messages.

It is important to understand that Apple does not provide SMS or MMS as a cellular service. SMS and MMS are carrier-provided services. Your iPhone provides the software and interface to use those services, but the actual SMS/MMS transmission is handled by your mobile network operator.

In simple terms:

• iMessage: Provided through Apple's iMessage service and requires an internet connection.
• SMS: Provided by your cellular carrier.
• MMS: Provided by your cellular carrier and generally requires MMS support/provisioning.
• Group iMessage: Uses Apple's iMessage service and can include photos, videos, and other media.
• Group SMS/MMS: Relies on your carrier's SMS/MMS services.

Therefore, if a group conversation is using SMS or MMS rather than iMessage, changing iPhone settings alone may not resolve the problem if your carrier has not enabled the required service on your account.