Apple intends to simplify texting across Android and iPhone devices

Apple Inc. is set to make a significant turnaround by implementing a technology standard the next year that would provide seamless text messaging across Android and iPhone devices.

For over a year, the business has resisted using the RCS standard, despite pressure from Alphabet Inc.’s Google and other parties for Apple to do so. The GSM Association supports RCS, or rich communication services, as an improvement over traditional SMS and MMS messaging.

More messaging functionality may now be shared across phones on various platforms thanks to technology. For example, users of Apple devices will be able to text users of Android devices over Wi-Fi instead of just cellular networks. They will also be able to send and receive bigger video and picture files, manage group conversations more simply, and check if messages are being read and received.

Apple has been guarding its iMessage system, which keeps many of those capabilities intact for iPad, Mac, iPhone, and Apple Watch owners.

“We plan to incorporate support for RCS Universal Profile, the current standard published by the GSM Association, later in the upcoming year,” an announcement was made by Apple. “We think that compared to SMS or MMS, RCS Universal Profile will provide a better interoperability experience.”

In addition, Apple said that “iMessage, which will remain the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users, will work alongside this.” During a conference last year, CEO Tim Cook fought back against RCS, advising anyone seeking improved messaging with family members to get an iPhone.

Android contacts still utilize the outdated green chat bubbles, but iPhone users can tell they are messaging another Apple client since the conversation bubbles are blue instead of green. It’s unclear whether Apple’s use of RCS will affect this format. It may be included in the iOS 18 update that the business plans to deliver the following year.

Google released a statement saying, “We’re happy to see Apple take their first step today by coming on board to embrace RCS.” We appreciate Apple’s involvement in our continued efforts with the GSMA to advance RCS and improve the security and equity of communications. We also look forward to collaborating with them to integrate this on iOS in a manner that benefits all users.

This change occurs as authorities are scrutinizing Apple more closely. The Cupertino, California-based corporation is getting ready to update its iPad and iPhone software in the European Union in order to comply with the Digital Markets Act of that area.

This news coincides with Nothing’s statement, a tiny phone manufacturer with a cult following, that it was working on an Android app to allow iMessage.