The exclusivity of iMessage with Apple could have its days numbered after Google and other operators have asked Brussels to consider this application as a "basic" service and make it compatible for all types of devices, not only for iPhones and iPads as is the case. now.
The request has already reached the European Commission, which is investigating whether iMessage should appear on a list of services that must comply with the bloc's new Digital Markets Law, and thus be able to connect without problems with competitors such as WhatsApp.
Currently, only Apple users can communicate via iMessage, making its signature "blue bubble" text messages a key factor in maintaining the loyalty of iPhone owners, especially among younger consumers.
On the other hand, users who use smartphones with Google's Android software see these functionalities very limited, with messages that change color to a standard SMS style and with less quality in videos and photos.
The letter sent to the European Commission and to which the Financial Times has had access, signed by executives from Google, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Orange, states that Apple's service should be subject to the regulations to "benefit users." European consumers and businesses.
For its part, Apple has responded by explaining that "consumers today have access to a wide variety of messaging apps and often use many at once, reflecting how easy it is to switch between them," and consider that " iMessage is outside the scope of European regulations.
