After years of Google persuading Apple to use the RCS (Rich Communications Service) standard, Apple has finally announced that it will adopt the messaging standard soon. Apple said that it will roll out an update in 2024 across all its devices, where it aims to bring iMessage features to messaging between iPhone and Android users.

This is a surprising move from Apple, who has prioritized iMessaging throughout all of its devices and ignited the Blue vs Green bubble debate. It’s also interesting to note that Apple’s announcement to adopt RCS soon also comes at a time when Nothing announced that its Chats will allow its Phone (2) users to use iMessage. Apple’s decision is also part of being pressured not just by Google, but from regulators as RCS continues to mature as the latest messaging standard.

“We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS,” an Apple Spokesperson told 9to5Mac. “This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users.”

While this move will not necessarily put iMessage to an end, having support for RCS on Apple devices ensures full messaging capabilities to Android phones. Some of the key features of RCS include read receipts and being able to work over mobile data and WiFi.

With this development, Apple said that it will work with GSMA members on improving the RCS protocol. These include improving security and encryption of messages–of which Apple insists that iMessage is more secure than current RCS standards.

Prior to this, Apple has decided to drop the Lightning port on all of its iPhone 15 models as part of complying with EU regulations on making USB-C as the universal port standard.