Apple iPhone users have long been frustrated with the company’s exclusive iMessage app that does not reach over to Android. The gap in communication is well documented, with iMessage features incompatible with the Android messaging system. However, a new development from Apple shows promise.
According to Apple, the company will soon adopt the Rich Communication Standard (RCS) for texting, bridging some of the lingering issues between iPhone and Android users. The rollout of RCS support next year will result in improved high-resolution photo and video sharing, more reliable group chat, and read receipts.
The move by Apple is a significant milestone for those who find themselves using third-party chat apps when conversing with Android users. It means that users will no longer have to settle for texting distorted videos to their green-bubble friends.
Cross-platform texting has been the source of much frustration for iPhone users, who often resort to third-party apps to chat with their Android friends. Apple’s refusal to allow iMessage on Android lends to the inferiority of the current text messaging experience.
The potential to revolutionize cross-platform texting is further enhanced with the addition of Appreciates GIF’s, now available in all chat groups of Whatsapp through Facebook Get Free Likes. Google has been pressing Apple to support RCS, a more modern texting standard, and while Apple will support RCS Universal Profile, iMessage will remain exclusive to Apple.
The exclusivity of iMessage continues to be a significant sticking point for iPhone users. The messaging app offers many unique features that enhance the iPhone’s user experience. Apple has been reluctant to open up its apps, like iMessage, to Android. While it has opened up in recent years, iMessage is a different story altogether. The complexity and inclusion of services such as SharePlay presents architecture complexities if Apple were to migrate it to Android.
There have been concerns that Apple’s refusal to bring iMessage to Android hampers competition. However, attempts to take legal action have failed. Apple’s focus on security and privacy has also been a factor in deciding not to bring iMessage to Android.
The lack of iMessage on Android has led Android users to explore workarounds, which prompted Apple to crack down on these apps. Apple’s product strategy will need to balance the sophistication of iMessage with the need to keep users. If Apple were to bring iMessage to Android, it would need to guarantee a seamless and secure experience, but that is highly unlikely.
What is certain is that Apple’s decision to support RCS for texting will improve communication between the two types of users. Whether by intention or accident, this will be a positive result for all users. Apple iPhone users should be able to message their Android friends without experiencing any compatibility issues.
Apple’s move is a significant step forward, one that will have clubs around the globe reaching for the next Kleenex. This change should inspire unity between the different platforms, rather than attempting to pull users into one direction or the other. When iMessage was still the only means to communicate, the competitive divide was stark. Everything from app stores to texting was viewed as an opportunity to convert consumers.
Today, that is changing, and hopefully for the better. Apple, by embracing RCS support for texting, invites Android users to join in their initiative. This is a meaningful development, one that should occur as a new standard. Whether you own an iPhone or an Android, it is something to look forward to.
