Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke at the event Code Conference
took part in an interview in which he was asked, among other things, why Apple has so far refused to implement RCS (Rich Communication Services) technology in its software in order to unify messages between Android and iPhones.
He gave an answer that, while not surprising at its core, could still be interpreted as provocative.
Apparently users don’t care
Cook’s first reply was relatively diplomatic:
“I don’t see our users asking to put a lot of energy into this. I would like to convert you to an iPhone.«
The questioner then probed and told Tim Cook that he couldn’t send certain videos to his mother because she was using an Android smartphone, so he had to resort to old-fashioned texting. Tim Cook’s solution to the problem:
“Buy your mom an iPhone.”
This suggestion made waves on Reddit, among others. The relevant post in the subreddit r/technology has meanwhile been commented on more than 4,000 times:
link to Reddit content
Why RCS?
RCS messaging is intended to replace SMS and thus bring functions that already exist in iMessage to Android smartphones, such as group chats. This is particularly interesting for US users, because there WhatsApp is not widely used
The disadvantage of SMS, on the other hand, is that the amount of data that can be sent is limited. Some files cannot be sent at all or can only be sent in highly compressed form. In addition, in most countries there are still costs per message.
If you (or your mother) are interested in the new iPhone 14, you can find all information about the devices here:
more on the subject
Apple introduces iPhone 14: Everything about features, prices and release
Why is Apple refusing to introduce RCS?
Google even has one campaign started, which should convince Apple to introduce RCS, but the competitor persistently refuses. One reason for this could be: If the messengers of Android and iPhones were standardized, that would also be the end of the so-called »green bubble«. Namely, Android users’ messages appear as a green speech bubble in the iMessage app, while iPhone users’ messages appear as a blue speech bubble. In some circles of people this seems to be a kind to apply as a status symbol
Money could also be a reason. If Apple were to unify messenger services, there would be no reason for potential customers to buy an iPhone. On the contrary: Android could lure as an alternative due to the large selection of devices.
This is also confirmed by a statement in an email in the context of the legal dispute between Apple and Epic came to lightwhich states:
“iMessage on Android would only serve to give families a reason to buy an Android smartphone.”
All information about yesterday’s Apple event and the latest announcements can be found here:
Apple event summary: All announcements about iPhone 14, Apple Watch and Co.
What are your thoughts on Apple’s refusal to unify Messenger? Do you use iMessage and can sticking to the Green-Bubble
comprehend? Write it to us in the comments!