Potential end to iPhone’s blue bubble exclusivity as Apple commits to RCS messaging standard

Expectations have emerged that the iPhone’s distinction between green and blue bubbles might eventually fade away.

 Presently, only iMessages from iPhones display blue bubbles, but Apple is planning to embrace a new messaging standard to facilitate easier communication across phones.

Apple has announced its support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), a standard aimed at simplifying message exchanges between phones operating on different systems.

The rollout of RCS support for iPhones and iOS devices is set for 2024, with plans for an initial introduction in a software release next year.

An Apple spokesperson highlighted that RCS would provide a more seamless messaging experience between users of rival phones compared to SMS or MMS, reiterating that iMessage would remain the best and most secure messaging platform for Apple users.

This shift, initially reported by 9to5Mac, signals a significant change for Apple, addressing concerns about interoperability between platforms.

Google, the developer of Android, has been advocating for RCS adoption by Apple, citing issues with end-to-end encryption for SMS and MMS messages.

The move might also align with recent EU regulations, particularly the Digital Markets Act (DMA), prompting Apple to consider enabling interoperability between messaging platforms.

The Act requires major digital service providers to allow easy interaction with rival platforms, potentially influencing Apple’s decision regarding iMessage and RCS.

Apple’s stance on iMessage and its compatibility with rivals has been under scrutiny by the European Commission, with discussions ongoing about whether iMessage should be classified as a core service.

Apple’s move toward RCS follows its recent compliance with EU regulations, such as replacing its signature lightning port on new iPhones with a common charging cable requirement.

This development coincides with Nothing’s launch of “Nothing Chats,” an app enabling communication between iPhone and Android users via blue bubble messages, marking an effort to bridge the gap between the two platforms.

In response to Apple’s RCS adoption, Nothing posted on X (formerly Twitter), indicating acknowledgment of the shift: “looks like they got the message.”

Source-BBC