Apple to Adopt RCS Messaging Standard for Better Interoperability With Android Devices

[cyb3rdud3]

Yes and SMS will always be the fallback of last resort when it comes to text messaging because you can still get a simple message through when data transfer is an issue with low signal strength. Adding RCS just means when data transfer is at a decent level you'll get texting between platforms that's much more feature rich and closer to an iMessage experience. This is good news for everyone that uses text messaging with a legacy fallback app like iMessage or Google Messages.

I understand that third party apps like WhatsApp are a big deal in other places and people can keep using them. In the US, however, the vast majority of people just use stock phone number based texting and adding RCS will drastically improve that experience.

I really don't get why WhatsApp is so popular in other places. I can't stand the app, it doesn't have fallback to SMS, it's owned by Meta, and as its not standards based doesn't integrate well with other messaging systems like cars etc. The users are the product. But still, you need a mobile number to signup and use it in the first place

I can't remember the last time I've had a mobile contract that doesn't have unlimited minutes, text, and plenty of data. It's so cheap nowadays, and across the EU its standard roaming anyway. Very strange.

 

[zubikov]

Why would an iPhone user prefer to get an SMS over an RCS message?

Thank you, this is the vital point here. People here are complaining about RCS for the most frivolous reasons. Apple is about to give you a more secure communication platform with people outside of the ecosystem. That’s a big win for everyone!

And yet people are complaining. Why is that? Because many have an iPhone as a status symbol and see blue bubbles as an easy way to maintain exclusivity; putting themselves somehow above those without an iPhone. Definition of elitist. Relax though, you’re keeping your blue/green bubble split.

 

[ric22]

Everyone in Europe already uses WhatsApp instead of texts/RCS as a result of the lack of interoperability, so it's near meaningless at this point, though I'm glad it's finally been done, even if only for the sake of the tech adverse and the elderly here.

 

[DakotaGuy]

Everyone in Europe already uses WhatsApp instead of texts/RCS as a result of the lack of interoperability, so it's near meaningless at this point, though I'm glad it's finally been done, even if only for the sake of the tech adverse and the elderly here.

The thing is Apple is a worldwide company and in some places that’s just not the case. It’s not meaningless in the United States where iMessage and Google Messages are extremely popular text message apps, but communication between the two platforms is hindered by relying totally on an archaic SMS standard. Adding RCS to the mix will make the experience between the two platforms much better. It has nothing to do with being tech adverse or elderly, but everything to do with what’s common where you live. If everyone where you live uses WhatsApp this change won’t matter to you anyhow. Everyone in Europe doesn’t equal everyone in the world.

 

[ric22]

The thing is Apple is a worldwide company and in some places that’s just not the case. It’s not meaningless in the United States where iMessage and Google Messages are extremely popular text message apps, but communication between the two platforms is hindered by relying totally on an archaic SMS standard. Adding RCS to the mix will make the experience between the two platforms much better. It has nothing to do with being tech adverse or elderly, but everything to do with what’s common where you live. If everyone where you live uses WhatsApp this change won’t matter to you anyhow. Everyone in Europe doesn’t equal everyone in the world.

Didn't suggest it did. I was commenting on the situation in my continent, not worldwide. Why would you suggest I wouldn't care about other continents? Weird.

 

[d686546s]

While this is certainly driven to mitigate against EU regulation, it will remain to be seen if it's actually enough in case Apple is seen as a gatekeeper with iMessage.

The DMA doesn't require interoperability between iOS and Android for services such as iMessage per se, but interoperability between such services upon request by another service provider.

This move fends off the most likely scenario as all of Google's actions make it almost inevitable that Google would have requested interoperability with iMessage. Since Google has been pushing hard for RCS, and Apple is implementing RCS, this matter is pretty much settled between the two.

But there are plenty of other messaging services out there and any one of them could request interoperability. The question then becomes whether RCS is an appropriate solution to meet the DMA's requirements. I don't understand the technology well enough, but it sounds like Meta couldn't implement RCS on either iOS or Android because of platform limitations, which means if the requesting party was WhatsApp, Apple would either need to change the underlying platform or provide another protocol to make the services interoperable.

 

[carestudio]

RCS or not, I really dont care, just want to make sure I can keep the "proud blue" with all the iPhone ecosystem. That will make me feel I have a better phone than the people on the other side of the world

 

[Hank001]

let me hold onto my hope of sideloading and running Windows ARM natively on my MBP please.

I am using UTM, and running Windows ARM. Buttery smooth.

 

[scorpio vega]

Hurt is probably the wrong word. Inconvenienced would be a better word. Messaging between Android and iPhones is currently insecure and featureless. If 100% of the people you message are iPhone users, then you never experienced this and nothing will change for you with the adoption of RCS (yay for you!). If any person you message is an Android user, you're going to get tons of benefits that have already been outlined numerous times in these articles and comments (yay for you!).

I never had any issues with android. Because there are 100 different messaging apps I can talk to them on.

Messenger. Snap. Instagram. Twitter. If I wanted, WhatsApp. Signal. Telegram. Kik. Kakaotalk. Viber. Skype. I’d never use a google product again but google messages is also a thing.

Like I said this is a benefit for android users to feel included I guess.

 

[scorpio vega]

This is not only for Android users. This is for everyone to have a better messaging experience.

Except we already do. It’s called iMessage. So yes this is for android users.

 

[d686546s]

Apple users being annoyed because Apple implements a feature that will improve the user experience of Apple users because -- well because the iPhone will feel less exclusive I guess.

This thread really brings out the worst stereotypical fanboyism in some.

 

[scorpio vega]

vanishingly small number of people at this point.

Literally aren’t there more iMessage users than WhatsApp despite it literally being entirely on every platform including android lol

 

[scorpio vega]

Apple users being annoyed because Apple implements a feature that will improve the user experience of Apple users because -- well because the iPhone will feel less exclusive I guess.

This thread really brings out the worst stereotypical fanboyism in some.

It has nothing to do with fanboyism
Again this really has no benefit for apple users. This benefits android users.

We already have had for over a decade a solution. iMessage.

And if necessary we have 100s of other apps for messaging.

In my demographic (mid 20s) most peple
Use Snapchat.

In my parents demographic my mom either calls me directly or she uses messenger.

This is not 2009 when we had no option but Skype.

Fanboyism would be me saying android users are acting like the nerdy kids who finally got invited to the popular kids party and we still don’t want them. lol

This isn’t fanboyism it’s being straightforward

 

[strongy]

Does this mean the “Oh, you don’t have WhatsApp? Why? Well, then you’re missing out, everyone uses it, it’s up to you to join us and stay in touch” will finally end?

nope no one is swopping, only americans can't be arsed to not use messaging infact all this will do is increase spam.

 

[d686546s]

It has nothing to do with fanboyism
Again this really has no benefit for apple users. This benefits android users.

We already have had for over a decade a solution. iMessage.

Because Apple users never talk with Android users? Are never annoyed with a terrible experience sending videos or pictures over MMS? Because no Apple user ever has complained about terrible group chats?

This happens all the time and iMessage does not cover that.

And if necessary we have 100s of other apps for messaging.

And somehow a lot of people in the US don't use them if the whole blue bubble/green bubble drama is to be believed.

Fanboyism would be me saying android users are acting like the nerdy kids who finally got invited to the popular kids party and we still don’t want them. lol

This isn’t fanboyism it’s being straightforward

Sure, whatever makes you feel better about yourself.

 

[ki77erb]

It has nothing to do with fanboyism
Again this really has no benefit for apple users. This benefits android users.

We already have had for over a decade a solution. iMessage.

And if necessary we have 100s of other apps for messaging.

In my demographic (mid 20s) most peple
Use Snapchat.

In my parents demographic my mom either calls me directly or she uses messenger.

This is not 2009 when we had no option but Skype.

Fanboyism would be me saying android users are acting like the nerdy kids who finally got invited to the popular kids party and we still don’t want them. lol

This isn’t fanboyism it’s being straightforward

So your argument is why use only iMessage with improvements when you can just use iMessage plus 100s of other apps together? Makes total sense.

 

[strongy]

A combination of things like the European Union looking at iMessage & carriers starting to adopt RCS around the world.

no carriers adopted it, they just use googles even the ones that did apopt it got rid of it
anyone who doesn't believe me go look for yourself lol

 

[scorpio vega]

So your argument is why use one app that comes with your phone and you're already using when you can use 100s of apps and have them all installed on your phone?? Makes total sense.

Most of us have at least one or two of the apps.

I have messenger and Snapchat and Instagram already since I use the product. So yes it makes total sense.

Not everyone has my phone number. Some ppl just have my snap.

Again options for communication across platform has already existed for a decade now.

Just like some ppl use cash app. I also have Venmo. Apple Pay. Unfortunately google pay. The options are there cross platform.

 

[d686546s]

Most of us have at least one or two of the apps.

I have messenger and Snapchat and Instagram already since I use the product. So yes it makes total sense.

Not everyone has my phone number. Some ppl just have my snap.

Again options for communication across platform has already existed for a decade now.

Just like some ppl use cash app. I also have Venmo. Apple Pay. Unfortunately google pay. The options are there cross platform.

And so you'll have one more option. I really don't understand why people have such a problem with getting a better messaging experience with non-iPhone users through the built in messaging application?

Some people are really are acting like someone stole their lunch.

 

[ki77erb]

Except we already do. It’s called iMessage. So yes this is for android users.

"This is only for Android users" and anybody with an iPhone that communicates with people who are Android users.

 

[toobravetosave]

I never had any issues with android. Because there are 100 different messaging apps I can talk to them on.

Messenger. Snap. Instagram. Twitter. If I wanted, WhatsApp. Signal. Telegram. Kik. Kakaotalk. Viber. Skype. I’d never use a google product again but google messages is also a thing.

Like I said this is a benefit for android users to feel included I guess.

it's a benefit for me too when I text my family who have android phones and don't use messaging apps

 

[scorpio vega]

Because Apple users never talk with Android users? Are never annoyed with a terrible experience sending videos or pictures over MMS? Because no Apple user ever has complained about terrible group chats?

This happens all the time and iMessage does not cover that.

I have plenty of friends who have android. My mom uses an android. I’ve been trying to get her into iPhone To have a better product since she is always complaining about her crappy pixel 8.

Much like her, I have
1. Snapchat
2. Messenger
3. Instagram

To chat with her or anyone on android.

When my phone service had an outage I still had multiple ways of communicating with non apple users.

Just like most Americans. Most Americans have one or all of the above apps. Even my dad at 55 has a Snapchat. My mom loves instagram and Facebook so she is on messenger.

This is a benefit for android. Not iOS.

And somehow a lot of people in the US don't use them if the whole blue bubble/green bubble drama is to be believed.

we do use them.

I do like knowing who is green and who is blue. I kmow
Who is apple and who isn’t.

I do tease my friends jokingly about using android but I personally don’t care.

The OS is incredibly inferior imo and I’m glad that I jumped off that ship (I’d rather use a windows phone before I ever go back to android) but it works for them and a lot of people.

But most of us don’t care about green vs blue.

I don’t think I’m better than anyone who has an android.

I do however balk at my phone becoming anything similar to android devices because I appreciate diversity and unfortunately we don’t have much diversity with operating systems.

 

[toobravetosave]

I have plenty of friends who have android. My mom uses an android. I’ve been trying to get her into iPhone To have a better product since she is always complaining about her crappy pixel 8.

Much like her, I have
1. Snapchat
2. Messenger
3. Instagram

To chat with her or anyone on android.

When my phone service had an outage I still had multiple ways of communicating with non apple users.

Just like most Americans. Most Americans have one or all of the above apps. Even my dad at 55 has a Snapchat. My mom loves instagram and Facebook so she is on messenger.

This is a benefit for android. Not iOS.

we do use them.

I do like knowing who is green and who is blue. I kmow
Who is apple and who isn’t.

I do tease my friends jokingly about using android but I personally don’t care.

The OS is incredibly inferior imo and I’m glad that I jumped off that ship (I’d rather use a windows phone before I ever go back to android) but it works for them and a lot of people.

But most of us don’t care about green vs blue.

I don’t think I’m better than anyone who has an android.

I do however balk at my phone becoming anything similar to android devices because I appreciate diversity and unfortunately we don’t have much diversity with operating systems.

kinda incredible the lengths apple users will go to deprive themselves of technological advancement to stick it to android

 

[scorpio vega]

"This is only for Android users" and anybody with an iPhone that communicates with people who are Android users.

I’m an iPhone user and I communicate (like millions of other 20 something) with android users on Snapchat. Instagram. Messenger.

All of which are cross Platform.

When I take a picture I usually go to Snapchat first before anything and use that. Like most millennial/gen z ppl.

Most older folks Over 40 like my family who mostly use android (unfortunately) use messenger.

When a guy asks for my contact info he doesn’t usually ask for my number. He asks do
I have a snap.

So this argument that it benefits iPhone users is weak since we have always had multiple avenues for communicating with android. Symbian. Windows phone. Blackberry.

 

[toobravetosave]

I’m an iPhone user and I communicate (like millions of other 20 something) with android users on Snapchat. Instagram. Messenger.

All of which are cross Platform.

When I take a picture I usually go to Snapchat first before anything and use that. Like most millennial/gen z ppl.

Most older folks Over 40 like my family who mostly use android (unfortunately) use messenger.

When a guy asks for my contact info he doesn’t usually ask for my number. He asks do
I have a snap.

So this argument that it benefits iPhone users is weak since we have always had multiple avenues for communicating with android. Symbian. Windows phone. Blackberry.

And im an iPhone user who communicates with android users via sms

I think you fundamentally misunderstand the entire conversation