Unhappy News: Apple Unveils Unappealing Color for RCS Bubbles on iPhones

Throughout 2023, Google consistently made subtle requests to Apple during their major events, urging them to back their RCS messages. RCS chat is viewed as the next evolution of carrier-supported messaging, replacing SMS. After numerous hints and gestures towards Apple, the tech giant based in Cupertino has finally declared that iPhones will support RCS starting in 2024. However, there is a condition. Google’s pleas to Apple also included a desire to eliminate the distinction between green and blue bubbles, which indicate whether the sender is using an iPhone or an Android device. Unfortunately for Google, the color Apple has chosen for RCS is not blue, which may not be to their liking.

Apple issued a statement to 9to5Mac confirming support for RCS. It said: “Later next year, we will add support for RCS Universal Profile, which is currently published by the GSM Association. We believe that RCS Universal Profile will provide a better compatibility experience compared to SMS or multimedia messaging. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and the most secure communication experience for Apple users.

Apple later also revealed that RCS messages are displayed in green, unlike messages sent from the iPhone, which are displayed in blue. The reason for this is to emphasize the company’s belief that iMessage is the best and most secure way to send messages.

RCS won’t stop the green vs. blue debate

The iMessage blue bubbles have become a cultural phenomenon and, in some ways, a reason for iPhone users to separate themselves from Android users. Its cultural importance can be seen in the fact that almost all forms of media presentation, from movies to social media posts, have touched on this issue in some form.

Many Android users believe that highlighting in green often makes them feel like secondary citizens in a conversation. It has started a culture of peer pressure and often forced Android users to switch to iPhone just to avoid such situations.

Google’s argument stems from the fact that RCS also has enhanced security measures that should end the conversation, but Apple disagrees.

RCS brings a wide range of features to carrier-based communication, including support for photos, messaging over WiFi, group messaging, and type detectors (which let you know when someone is typing) and end-to-end encryption.