iMessage: Apple takes credit for a Google feature

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Google is currently developing emoji reactions that work with iMessage. This functionality has been added, according to the iOS 16 update notice from the Cupertino company. Whatever the matter may be, the user’s situation is improving.

Owners of Android and iPhone smartphones occasionally have communication issues. While Apple continues to use the SMS format, Google employs the RCS format. This essentially implies that some functionalities are not accessible across both platforms. Reactions to messages fall within this category.

Emoji responses to texts from iPhone users have long been hidden from Android users. Instead, they get just text. Google made a correction announcement in January. Additionally, the Mountain View company will be exploring the ability to reply to iMessages using Android. A feature that Apple seems to take credit for.

Apple is taking credit for Google adding iMessage reactions on Android

According to what Apple said in the iOS 16 update notice, “React to SMS messages with a Tapback and the emoji reaction will display on the recipients’ Android devices.” An odd mention given that Tim Cook’s company has consistently ignored Google’s requests in this regard.

This summer, Google started a campaign dubbed #GetTheMessage to persuade Apple to adopt the RCS standard. Tim Cook said that in order to use iPhone capabilities, you have to purchase an iPhone. It is therefore Google that has worked on the subject to offer an almost invisible conversion of certain features, such as reactions in emojis.

In fact, this mention in the update note is not a mistake. However, the fact that there is a mention here may imply that Apple is to blame, which does not appear to be the case. In any event, Apple didn’t disclose this text until the introduction of iOS 16; before that, it didn’t exist. At the same time that Google is evaluating how Android users respond to iMessage (only the reverse was possible).

No matter who invented the feature, the user is always the winner. Android SMS and iMessages are becoming increasingly indistinguishable from one another.