Apple said it will release a software update next year that will improve messaging between iPhones and Android phones as it faces pressure to make its system more compatible with rivals.
The move comes as the tech giant faces potential EU rules that would force its iMessage to work seamlessly with other messaging services.
However, it will not make iMessage available on non-Apple devices. “This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users,” the company said.
Critics say the different experience iMessage users have when they receive messages from non-iOS devices — epitomized by the “green bubble” that separates Android messages from messages sent via iMessage — helps keep those users plugged into the company’s iOS ecosystem.
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