IM+ Pro7 Review

IM+ Pro7 is the latest version of IM+, an instant messaging app for iOS. Instead of simply putting an update in the App Store, the developers decided instead to release a completely new app designed for improved performance on iOS 7, as well as a new user interface and the inclusion of Off the Record (OTR) encrypted messaging - a feature which was previously available as an in-app purchase for the asking price of $4.99. Despite seeming like a bit of a cash grab, IM+ Pro7 is indeed an improvement over its high-quality predecessor, though maybe not an extremely significant one.

Users that are already familiar with the old version of IM+ should feel right at home in IM+ Pro7. Most of the UI changes in the app are aesthetic, to match the style of iOS 7. Users can still add multiple accounts, group contacts, and fiddle with notification and push settings as they please. On top of this, IM+ Pro7 does feel quite a bit snappier than the older version and even extends the functionality of some features (e.g. users can now extend push sessions up to seven days, rather than just one).

The only problem with IM+ Pro7 is that, despite these improvements, users that use OTR messaging have to re-pay for their ability to use it in this new app. Of course there is a free version of this new update available for those that don't use it, but the idea of paying another five bucks for some performance improvements and a new look just doesn't seem worth it.

IM+ Pro7 is a great choice for anyone seeking a sleek-looking instant messaging app if they haven't invested in one yet. OTR messaging is worth the price tag of $4.99 for users wanting to secure their communications, but it's hard to justify paying for it twice.