Apple is set to adopt a messaging service that will make texting between an iPhone and an Android device a better experience.
It comes after the US technology giant confirmed it will adopt the rich communication services (RCS) “later next year”.
RCS is considered an industry standard for messaging and allows users to send and receive high-quality photos and videos, chat over wifi as well as mobile data.
Plus, users of the service can see when messages have been read, a range of features that currently do not exist or work to the same standard when messaging between an iPhone and Android.
Now, Apple has decided to focus on its own messaging system – iMessage – which allows for seamless communication between iPhone handsets.
Apple has confirmed that green bubbles will still be used for RCS messages
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) November 17, 2023
Blue bubbles will continue to be used to represent iMessages
Source: @9to5mac pic.twitter.com/lgWNCZLPNw
Apple to improve communication system
Adopting RCS alongside iMessage will likely make the experience of chatting to an Android user from an iPhone closer to the iMessage experience.
Sharing a statement to 9to5MAc, Apple said: "Later next year, we will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard as currently published by the GSM Association.
“We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS.”
This year, Apple
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) November 16, 2023
- switched to USB-C on iPhone
- announced plans to adopt RCS next year
What’s potentially next…
- sideloading apps in Europe
- removable batteries on iPhone
The EU holds a lot of power pic.twitter.com/iE3p0QiDmL
Apple's change also comes amid EU regulators placing pressure on Apple to make iMessage more interoperable with other services under its new Digital Services Act.
The act is designed to rein in tech giants, improve competition and ultimately provide better, more accessible services for consumers.
Earlier this week, smartphone maker Nothing also revealed its Android phones would begin to support iMessage via a new app.
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