Is it possible to receive SMS with the Messages beta for OS X?

I feel like I've read 7 or 8 different articles on the Messages beta, but I'm not seeing my question's answer.

So, is it possible with Messages for OS X, to receive SMS texts sent to my phone number?


No. Messages beta works like it does on the iPad and iPod Touch. You can only message other Apple iOS 5 (or Messages) users.


To avoid confusion, we might be speaking about two things here:

  1. SMS, MMS - which are a GSM network feature, not a phone feature
  2. iMessages - have separate notifications and format, but they look like ordinary SMS to you. They are not real SMS, but are working between iPhones, iPads, iPods and Macs. If Wi-Fi is unavailable, iMessages will be sent over cellular data. Carrier cellular data fees might apply.

is it possible with Messages for OS X, to receive SMS texts sent to my phone number?

  1. For SMS: If you OS X operating system have been paired with the iPhone, which has this SIM-card with the phone number, you'll be getting messages on your Mac in Messages App as well, and you can even reply back. If no phone bound - then SMS will be not available.
  2. For iMessages: this functionality will work with your Messages App on Mac, if your internet connection (cable/WiFi) is available, as it is not requiring carrier cellular network. It works between iPhones, iPads, iPods and Macs. It might reference not only your phone number, but Apple-ID (email) as a unique addressee identifier.