Apple will finally provide RCS support to iMessage..

From Green Bubble to What is RCS, how does it affect India?? Here’s everything you need to know👇

1. First of all, RCS is the next generation or upgrade to SMS. SMS uses a cellular network to send text messages (160 characters at a time). Whereas, RCS can send text, group chats, high-resolution images, videos, and everything using the Internet.

In simple words, RCS is like WhatsApp. Google Messages on almost all Android phones supports RCS. So you can send text, videos, etc in Google Messages to anyone using just your data pack. In case, there is no Internet connectivity, RCS drops back to SMS to send text using the cellular network.

2. Why is RCS support in iPhone a “BIG DEAL”?

Well, in case you don’t know, iMessage is an instant message service for all Apple users. It uses data to send text messages, videos, images, etc. In simple words, it’s similar to WhatsApp.

However, iMessage was only restricted to iOS users. And if you are on Android, your message in an iMessage chat or group chat shows up as “Green” 🟢bubbles. For an iPhone user, the messages show up as “BLUE”🔵bubbles.

There are numerous conspiracy theories and a bunch of evidence to point out that Apple does this 🟢/🔵 on purpose. The Green bubble singles out Android users amongst other iPhone users and creates a FOMO. Hence, there’s a huge “GREEN VS BLUE” bubble debate.

On Android, there are workarounds to bypass the “GREEN”🟢 bubble using third-party apps like Beeper. Recently, Nothing made a whole app to bypass the iMessage “Green” 🟢 bubble.

3. How does it matter to India?

If you are in India, it doesn’t matter. People here use WhatsApp and other messaging services. iMessage penetration in India is nominal. In my personal opinion, India is and will be WhatsApp-dependent.

Thankfully, there’s no 🟢vs 🔵 bubble debate in India. Peace ☮️

4. Why is Apple doing it NOW??

Apple has been mocked by media, Google, and other Android companies for keeping iMessage locked to only iPhone users. Due to the growing pressure from the European Union and FCC, Apple has to open up iMessage or iPhone.

• A point to note, Apple has said iMessage will support RCS. I believe the iPhone will still use iMessage and have that 🟢// bubble. Whenever, need be it can fall back to RCS or SMS. It’s complicated as of now!

5. IS IT RIGHT??

Well, if you look at iMessage as a social media platform, it makes sense to give everyone an equal right to communicate. In terms of security and encryption, RCS is also superior to iMessage. However, I believe social media policies in the EU, India, and the USA can be a lot better.