If you've updated your iPhone or iPad to iOS 11.4 you've got a new feature: Messages on iCloud. What does that mean, you might very well ask? Well, it's a bit complicated, and David Pogue explains it all in this link:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/messages-icloud-landed-turn-191908351.html
I must admit -- this is something I'm not too excited about, but it may be helpful for people who use text messages and iMessage a lot.
Jim Hamm
John Carter passes on this info from TakeControl publishers: "Communicate more effectively with 'Take Control of Messages in Mountain Lion.'
"In 10.8 Mountain Lion, Apple replaced the long-standing iChat program with Messages, which takes its interface cues from the iPad version of the program. Although Messages looks easy, many people have had trouble understanding how to integrate different chat services and Apple devices, now that messages can appear on Macs, iPhones, and iPads.
"For instance, should you use iMessage or AIM to chat with your friend? What if he's home on his Mac or out while using his iPhone? Can you add someone else to the chat? What if you want to switch to an audio chat? To video? For video, should you use Google Talk or FaceTime? And so on. The mechanics may be simple, but the setup and human interactions are anything but.
"To bring some sense to the situation, we asked networking guru Glenn Fleishman to explain how you can bend Messages to your will, and the fruits of his labor are now available in the 113-page 'Take Control of Messages in Mountain Lion.' The book normally costs $10, but the 30% MUG discount drops that to $7. Learn more about the book via the coupon-loaded link — http://tid.bl.it/tco-messages-mountain-lion-mug-discount
"With this ebook in hand, you'll discover more ways to manage and connect with friends and family than space permits to outline here. Get the ebook and find out.
"As always, thank you for your support of the Take Control series!
"Cheers... Adam & Tonya Engst, Take Control publishers."