Hell freezes over: Apple introduces RCS chat protocol
Was it the threat of EU compulsion? Apple is introducing the RCS standard in the new year. This allows Android and iPhone users to communicate with each other via the data network without a third-party messenger.
Apple CEO Tim Cook achieved legendary status with the phrase "Buy your mum an iPhone". It was the answer to a journalist's question about how he should write a message to his mum without having to rely on the fragile, ancient technology of text messaging.
Because Apple refuses to introduce the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard, SMS is the only native communication option between iPhones and Androids. This is now changing - but it has been a long road.
RCS: more secure, cheaper and with more functions
Many users are concerned about this problem: Android smartphone manufacturers have agreed to introduce the RCS (Rich Communication Services) chat standard for their standard messaging apps. Apple, for its part, relies on the iMessage system, which only works between Apple devices.
Source: Florian Bodoky
Both standards support group chats, the sending of high-resolution images and videos and have a high level of encryption. They also send messages via the data network. SMS are also susceptible to cyberattacks and are sent without encryption. Apple's stubbornness and the outdated SMS technology ultimately led to the triumph of WhatsApp and co.
Competitors and the EU put pressure on
The manufacturers of Android mobiles want to change this, especially the industry giants Google and Samsung. They are constantly launching campaigns calling on Apple to finally introduce RCS. So that both worlds can communicate with each other without having to resort to third-party messengers.
Google ultimately even turned to the European Commission. The Commission should check whether Apple's iMessage might not be a so-called core service. The European "gatekeeper" regulation prohibits companies from using technologies behind core services exclusively for themselves.
Apple gets ahead of the EU
Apple has stated that iMessage cannot be a core service in Europe - it is too unpopular for that. However, the company has now changed its mind and is introducing RCS. Apple is thus pre-empting a pending EU decision regarding iMessage.
Apple emphasises, however, that RCS is not replacing iMessage technology. Communication between Apple users will continue to take place via iMessage. And the colours of the speech bubbles will also continue to differ. They will be blue between iMessage messages. If RCS is used, however, the green colour will be used.
Cover image: Shutterstock
I've been tinkering with digital networks ever since I found out how to activate both telephone channels on the ISDN card for greater bandwidth. As for the analogue variety, I've been doing that since I learned to talk. Though Winterthur is my adoptive home city, my heart still bleeds red and blue.