Apple has announced its plan to integrate the Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging standard on the iPhone in late 2024. This move is a significant concession by Apple, as it will allow iPhone users to have ‘read’ receipts when texting their Android friends and will support some iMessage features for text chains that include an Android user, such as indicators that a message has been read by a recipient and the ability to send high-quality images and videos. However, it’s important to note that iMessage will remain the primary messaging platform between iPhone users, and the green text bubbles will not change to blue.
The EU’s landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA) has proven to be influential regulatory legislation for reigning in big tech. It is no coincidence that Apple chose to support RCS during a time in which the EU is assessing whether iMessage should fall under the category of a gatekeeper service. The decision to adopt RCS is seen as a response to regulatory pressure, particularly from the European Union (EU). While the adoption of RCS wasn’t required by the EU, it might be a way for Apple to appease regulators and limit future problems. The EU Commission is weighing whether iMessage falls under the Digital Markets Act’s purview, and a decision that it does would mean Apple might have to improve the interoperability of its devices anyway. If iMessage is designated a gatekeeper service, Apple will be compelled to make iMessage accessible on other platforms, including Android and Windows, or face a fine of 10% of its global annual turnover.
The timeline for Apple’s adoption of RCS is set for late 2024. Apple plans to add support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard published by the GSM Association, which will offer a better interoperability experience compared to SMS or MMS. This move is seen as a willingness to work with other companies and improve messaging between iPhone and Android devices.
The decision to adopt RCS is significant, as it marks a departure from Apple’s previous stance. In September 2022, Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that adopting RCS was not a priority for Apple. However, the company is now facing regulatory scrutiny over proprietary technologies, and adopting RCS could be seen as a willingness to work with other companies.
Apple’s decision to adopt RCS will have ramifications for iPhone users, particularly in their communication with Android users. While iMessage will remain the primary messaging platform for iPhone users, the integration of RCS will improve interoperability and provide a more advanced messaging experience for cross-platform communication. Thanks again European Union, Apple finally concedes to integrate the Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging standard enabling Better Interoperability with android users. However, it’s important to note that iMessage will remain exclusive to Apple devices, maintaining the company’s ecosystem exclusivity.
