Google’s RCS: After persistent urging from Google, Apple has committed to incorporating the currently flawed RCS system within iMessage by 2024.
In contrast to Apple’s iMessage on iPhone, Android lacks a true equivalent, with previous attempts by companies like Nothing and Google falling short. Consequently, Google has contended that Apple’s failure to support its nearest alternative, RCS, is a disservice to customers, leading Apple to finally concede.
The push for Apple to adopt RCS is partly driven by the perceived stigma in the US surrounding the distinction between the blue and green text messages of iMessage and other platforms. This contrast is less pronounced in the rest of the world, where WhatsApp typically enjoys greater popularity than iMessage.
It remains uncertain whether Apple’s RCS support will give Android users the same blue button appearance as iMessage users. Nevertheless, it is anticipated to address issues such as sending images and videos between iPhone and Android. Currently, Android users in a group message chat receive scaled-down images sent via traditional MMS.
