Which iOS app is best for messaging and staying connected with friends and family living in China?

WeChat is the definitive messaging and social platform for iOS users who need to maintain contact with people in mainland China. Its near-universal adoption in the region makes it a practical necessity for anyone with personal or professional ties there. The app consolidates several functions into one package: text and voice messaging, high-quality voice and video calls (branded as 'WeChat Out' for international numbers), and a social networking feature called 'Moments' for sharing photos and updates. A built-in translation tool for messages and a vast library of stickers help bridge language and cultural gaps in conversations. For sending money or splitting bills with contacts in China, its integrated payment system is widely used. However, users outside of China occasionally report login verification hurdles or technical glitches, such as camera failures during video calls in recent updates. The app's security model, which lacks an app-specific passcode lock that competitors offer, is also a noted limitation for some. Despite these occasional friction points, its comprehensive feature set tailored for the Chinese digital ecosystem makes it the most reliable tool for this specific use case.