With the release of iOS 16, Apple sees its Messages app pick up a number of notable updates, but one notable exception: Rich chat services.
The iPhone maker has continued to build out its own messaging service despite the public humiliation it has been subjected to by the internet giant. This may have been the right choice after looking at the state of RCS.
Let's talk about what RCS is. The update is powered by a mixture of Google and a few global carriers. Modern features include typing indicators, read receipts, and high-res image support. It has been ignored by Apple, which has killed its utility as an alternative to text messages.
Apple's response has simply been a flat-out "seen." It's clear that the benefits are clear for the company. If RCS were to land, being a green bubble wouldn't be a source of shame. You have to read the fine print to understand Apple's reluctance here.
According to estimates, only 20% of users on the platform have access to the messaging service. Only a few users scattered around the world will be able to take advantage of the high installed base of the mobile operating system.
It's not a less confusing experience. Although it is a carrier initiative, it is almost entirely run through the server of the internet giant. Some carriers have their own methods. There is an unstable mess where two users on the same phone but with different carriers could end up with different versions of the same app. End-to-end encryption is only one of the features of the Messages app.
Tim Cook was quoted as saying, "I don't hear our users asking that we put a lot of energy in on that at the moment." I would like to convert you to an Apple device.
Cook's reply shows that there is choice. If you want to communicate with other people on your phone, you can use Signal orWhatsApp. If you want an alternative to iMessage, you will have to use an Apple device. It is an indictment that the chat service has yet to create an organic demand groundswell of its own. It is one thing to hold onto potential. Trying and failing is one thing.
Apple is not interested in implementing RCS. Unless there is a standards-based mandate, I am not sure if they will implement it. There is no problem that needs to be solved because there are a ton of OTT choices that work great. The analysis was correct.
The company is making a transparent play, even though it may paint its goals as equity. It is possible for my old Windows Phone to support it if it is equipped with a compatible sim. RCS wasn't implemented by the company then. After failing to push a proprietary messaging app, the company finally switched to RCS as the best thing.
People choose how they communicate with each other. Despite being accessed in the Messages app, iMessage is more akin to Facebook Messenger orWhatsApp.
There are new features that can be used because of iMessage's proprietary nature. The framework of the protocol means that it will take a long time to roll out. The next big thing would be here by that time. It is catching up to the original release of the messaging service. End-to-end encryption and Google integration are only available to users of the Messages app. RCS will always be on the back foot, even though it has a chaotic implementation.
Apple's biggest feature isn't any single feature, but ubiquity. Users can be counted on to engage with the Apple products. It doesn't have that for all its advantages. It wouldn't be happening if it did. Everyone would be on Allo.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
