The blue and green text bubble war might be coming to an end as Apple declares its commitment to cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android users.
Apple announced it would adopt the Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging standard, revealing plans to introduce the feature through a software update expected next year.
This strategic decision aims to enhance cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android users, bringing a host of iMessage-style features to the table.
Responding to increasing pressure from regulators and competitors such as Google and Samsung, Apple acknowledges the evolving maturity of RCS as a platform.
With RCS, users will be able to send and receive high-quality photos and video. Currently, any media shared between iPhones and Android, are of a lower quality.
It would also introduce features such as read receipts and typing indicators.
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Apple emphasises that iMessage, known for its security and privacy features, will remain the preferred platform for communication among iPhone users.
Despite the adoption of RCS, iMessage’s security features, including end-to-end encryption and Advanced Data Protection for Messages in iCloud, will continue to set it apart.
Apple ensures that RCS will coexist with iMessage and replace SMS and MMS, offering users enhanced functionality over mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Apple’s move to embrace RCS comes after years of resistance, during which the company focused on strengthening iMessage.
However, recent improvements in SMS experiences between iPhone and Android users signalled a shift in strategy.
Apple added support for Tapbacks, threaded replies, and message editing in SMS group chats, enhancing the user experience.
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Acknowledging the global significance of the move, Apple commits to collaborating with GSMA members to enhance the RCS protocol further.
This collaborative effort aims to address areas such as security and encryption, ensuring the continuous improvement of the RCS standard itself.
As Apple prepares for the upcoming adoption of RCS, users can anticipate a significant improvement in messaging conversations between iPhone and Android devices.
This announcement also aligns with Apple’s broader support for open standards, demonstrated through collaborations on projects like the Matter smart home standard, Passkeys with the FIDO Alliance, and the development of the Qi2 wireless charging standard.