What's the best iOS app for sending messages and photos to someone in prison?

GettingOut is a specialized iOS app designed to facilitate communication with incarcerated loved ones, offering a digital alternative to traditional mail or phone calls. The app provides a messaging system where users can send text messages and photos, which are then reviewed and delivered according to facility protocols. This can be particularly useful for families seeking to maintain regular contact without the delays or costs associated with physical mail. Specific features include a user-friendly interface for composing messages, photo attachment options, and integration with correctional facility databases to ensure compliance with security rules.

However, the app's performance has drawn mixed feedback. Users report that the concept is valuable for staying connected, with some praising the instant communication potential. But practical issues are common: messages and photos can remain pending for days due to bugs, and technical glitches sometimes cause sent images to disappear. Customer service responsiveness is another point of contention, with reviews indicating long hold times and unresolved support tickets. Despite these flaws, GettingOut remains a primary tool for this niche use case, as it addresses a critical need for accessible prison communication. For those relying on it, patience with occasional hiccups may be necessary, but updates could improve reliability over time.