Google criticized Apple for its iMessage messaging coverage and accused it of intentionally portraying Android customers as second-class residents. We also needs to observe that Apple is utilizing the exclusivity of iMessage as one of many instruments to spice up iPhone gross sales.
The app’s exclusivity has develop into a standing image amongst teenagers within the US and different international locations, in accordance with the supply. As well as, messages from customers of Android units in iMessage have a inexperienced colour; and from house owners of devices primarily based on iOS – blue. Nevertheless, if it seems in a inexperienced bubble, it makes use of the much less dependable SMS protocol; and doubtless comes from an Android smartphone. The issue is, younger People typically frown on these inexperienced bubbles, and a few even pester their buddies to purchase an iPhone. It’s famous that in some instances that is the rationale for the strain on youngsters who’re pressured to purchase an iPhone so as to not look worse than others.
That is the view shared by some senior Google staff, together with the corporate’s vice chairman of Android Hiroshi Lockheimer. He just lately expressed confidence that peer strain and intimidation are a part of Apple’s documented technique to spice up iPhone gross sales.
Google accused Apple of discriminating towards Android customers in iMessage
We received a affirmation of this by paperwork that had been obtainable throughout Apple’s current lawsuit with Epic Video games. In response to them, Apple thought-about making iMessage obtainable on Android; however in the end the corporate concluded that it might “hurt Apple greater than it might profit”. This interpretation of the present state of affairs was talked about in one of many letters of Apple CEO. Craig Federighi, Apple’s vice chairman of software program growth; additionally wrote that the supply of iMessage may take away the barrier for households the place dad and mom use iPhones; however purchase Android units for his or her youngsters.
In response to Hiroshi Lockheimer, the refusal to undertake RCS is a part of a technique that makes use of fan habits in direction of Android customers to promote extra iPhones; regardless of that advertising and marketing targeted on “humanity and fairness”. Certainly, because of the strain exerted by their circumference; Apple would achieve convincing the youngsters to purchase an iPhone in order to not really feel excluded from the “cool group”.
So many American teenagers really feel that Apple’s iMessage service has develop into a method for iPhone customers to indicate that they not solely personal an iPhone; however that they’re a part of a proprietary messaging platform. The Wall Road Journal even present in an investigation {that a} younger lady’s sister “laughed at her for texting potential lovers utilizing Android telephones”, calling the inexperienced bubbles “Disgusting”. As a substitute of prohibiting the alternate of texts between iOS and Android units; Apple most well-liked to make its messages blue to face out from its rival.