Google has been pressuring Apple to support RCS for over a year with their “#GetTheMessage” campaign. RCS allows iMessage and Android messaging apps to send messages with things like read receipts, high-quality media, and encryption.
It seems Google’s campaign has paid off! Apple announced that iPhones will support RCS starting next year. This means iPhone users can finally send messages to Android with all the modern features we expect. Messages will even show as green bubbles like SMS instead of the distinctive blue of iMessage.
While Apple didn’t make the change because of Google, regulators in Europe have been looking into making iMessage work with other platforms. This move likely helps Apple avoid any legal issues down the road.
Some key things to note – RCS will operate separately from iMessage when messaging Android phones. iPhone users can still use iMessage with other iPhones. And RCS texts from iPhones will be clearly marked as green like regular SMS.
After years of complaints from Android users about “blue bubbles”, it’s great Apple is embracing RCS messaging standards. This will make communication between iOS and Android simple and secure for the first time. Kudos to Google for their relentless campaign to #GetTheMessage across!
