Apple finally releases a tool to remove iMessage from a phone number

Apple has quietly released a tool that allows users to deregister their phone number from iMessage. The tool addresses a common problem where non-iPhone users are unable to receive messages from iPhone owners. This can occur after a user activates iMessage on an iPhone and then later swaps their SIM to a non-Apple handset. 

The new web tool will message users a confirmation code to the number they wish to decouple. After putting the six digit number back into Apple's website, iMessage should be deregistered instantly.

Apple's tool can be found here.