Apple has been coaxed into adopting rich communication services (RCS) by Google for years. In order to pressure Apple into supporting the standard, it even created the ad campaign #GetTheMessage. With Apple’s decision now in the rearview mirror, Google has responded.
Apple surprised everyone when they said they would add support for RCS messaging starting in 2024. While Google has been pushing them for a long time to do this, Apple likely decided to go through with it to get ahead of problems with EU laws.
Even though Apple is adopting RCS now, it might not fully solve the problem of green vs blue message bubbles. Apple plans to support the standards group’s version of RCS messaging. But they said they won’t use any extras that add encryption, like what Google uses.
Google gave a statement about Apple’s news. They said everyone should be able to message each other easily and privately no matter what phone they have. Google is happy Apple is joining them in supporting RCS and looks forward to working together. They want to make messaging better and safer for everyone.
While green and blue bubbles may still be different after this, RCS between iPhones and Android should improve some things. Messages will likely have better encryption. You’ll also be able to send bigger files between the platforms. This move could help bring messaging closer together between the two dominant mobile operating systems. Only time will tell how well Apple and Google can now work together on this important communications standard.
