It looks like the blue and green bubble debate between tech giants is now coming to an end. Apple unexpectedly announced that it will support the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard. Moreover, he even gave a date: The feature will come with a software update to be released in 2024 and will bring various iMessage-style features to messaging between iPhone and Android users.
In a statement, an Apple spokesperson said: “Late next year, we will add support for the RCS Universal Profile, which is the standard currently published by the GSM Association. We believe the RCS Universal Profile will provide a better experience compared to SMS or MMS. This is the best option for Apple users.” “It will work with iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience.”
However, while iPhone and Android users will be able to communicate better through the standard Messages app, that doesn’t mean Cupertino is giving up on iMessage. It is important to note that RCS does not support end-to-end encryption, meaning iPhone users will continue to communicate via iMessage.
The difference here is that iPhone and Android users will be able to send high-resolution photos and videos to each other, easily group messaging, and share their location via RCS-supported messaging.
Features such as Memoji, stickers, editing and undoing messages will continue to be exclusive to iMessage. Another problem is that after Apple introduces RCS support in 2024, operators will also need to add it on their side.
It is currently unclear with which software update Apple will bring RCS support or how big the impact of this change will be. Ultimately, blue bubbles will continue to exist, and we don’t yet know if there will be a third message bubble color to display RCS messages.
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