Deleting a photo from iMessage on your own device does not remove it from the other person's device. The recipient can still see and access the photo unless they delete it themselves. Deleting the photo only removes it from your conversation view and device storage, but it does not affect the recipient's copy or Apple's servers. There is a short time window where you can unsend a message (including photos) to remove it from both devices, but after that, deletion only applies on your end.
Key points:
- Deleting a photo from your iMessage only removes it from your device and conversation.
- The other person can still view and save the photo on their device.
- iMessage photos are encrypted end-to-end during transmission but stored independently on each device.
- If a photo is deleted before delivery or reading, the recipient won't see it.
- Unsending messages/photos after sending is available only briefly and not for SMS.
- Deletion does not notify the recipient or remove their copy of the photo.
In summary, once a photo is sent via iMessage and delivered, deleting it from your device will not delete it from the other person's device or prevent them from seeing it unless you manage to unsend it quickly after sending.
