When an iMessage is sent to an Apple device, the sender receives delivery status updates. If the recipient’s device is powered off or has no network connectivity, the iMessage will not immediately indicate “Delivered.” Instead, it remains as “Sent” until the device regains connectivity and acknowledges receipt. This behavior differs from SMS messages, which may still show as “Delivered” based on network confirmation, even if the target device is unreachable.
The importance of understanding this behavior lies in comprehending communication reliability. While a “Delivered” status suggests the message has reached Apple’s servers and been pushed to the recipient’s device, it does not guarantee immediate viewing. Knowing that a dead battery or lack of network access can delay this status is crucial for assessing message delivery confidence. Historically, these status indicators have evolved to provide more transparency regarding message transmission, yet limitations persist due to device-level factors.