The green bubble: it is a cultural divide that Google – through Android – has tried to address several times. It’s common knowledge that Apple is pushing for Apple to adopt the more modern RCS messaging standard instead of continually relying on SMS and MMS. Now a new ad that pokes fun at putting pressure on a seemingly aloof Apple remains.
Last year Google launched one Download the microsite The Message on Android.com, which details the many shortcomings that Apple’s continued use of SMS and MMS creates in messaging with Android users, shortcomings that could be eliminated by adopting the newer and more comprehensive RCS standard (see our full explanation about Rich Communication Services for more).
Don’t blame your Android friends for green bubble problems in chat. It’s Apple using outdated messaging technology when texting with Android. Help Apple #GetTheMessage and upgrade to RCS 📟 Read more at https://t.co/fs5jaitbks pic.twitter.com/YZyfXs2uksSeptember 21, 2023
Now Google is back with a tongue-in-cheek ad for the “iPager” that (as highlighted by New) is clearly based on older Apple marketing, such as the iconic 1984 Macintosh ad and the original 2007 iPhone “Hello” launch ad.
While the ad focuses on the relatively archaic nature of what is called “legacy messaging technology” in SMS and MMS, it specifically highlights the lack of encryption, group chat compatibility, highly compressed media and, of course, green bubbles, which could be eliminated. if Apple were to adopt RCS.
While Google’s new iPager ad is an entertaining addition to its Get The Message campaign, there’s little indication so far that Apple is considering changing the way it handles cross-platform messaging between iMessage and Android. CEO Tim Cook said this earlier that “I don’t hear our users asking that we put a lot of energy (into RCS).”
Meanwhile, in Apple’s blue bubble…
While RCS would greatly expand the experience iPhone users have when messaging their friends on Android, the recent release of iOS 17 brings a host of upgrades to iPhone-to-iPhone chatting experiences, via iMessage.
Along with improved autocorrect, Check In is now available to keep track of your loved ones on the cab ride home and Live Stickers can now come from virtually anywhere to decorate your iMessage conversations and more.
Check out our full iOS 17 review for a deeper look at what an iPhone gets you and for those still on the green bubble side of the fence, we have high hopes for Android 14 and the Google Pixel 8 series coming in just a few days be launched.