iPhone 16's iMessage not prioritized over iPhone 7's at 9:30 PM

Hi everyone,

I’ve noticed something strange and can’t find an explanation anywhere. I often need to send an iMessage at exactly 9:30 PM to secure a spot for something, and the first messages that arrive are the ones that count.

The issue: even when I press send the exact second it turns 9:30 PM, I’m never first. The same two people always get their messages in before mine — every single time (10 out of 10).

Here’s what I’ve tried:

• Sending the message the exact second it turns 9:30 (using Apple’s clock).
• Both Wi-Fi and cellular data — no difference.
• Sending from my MacBook instead of my phone.
• Using scheduled send.

For context:

• My phone: iPhone 16 (AT&T)
• Receiver’s phone: iPhone 7

Is there any technical reason this could happen? Does iMessage prioritize messages differently by device, carrier, or something else? Or could there be a delay with how my message reaches Apple’s servers?

Thanks in advance for any insights — it’s been driving me crazy!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Why am I never first to send an iMessage — even when I press send the exact second?