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Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is reversing course on its approach to iPhone text messaging — moving to adopt a standard that will make texting between its devices and Android (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) devices work more smoothly, despite its previous opposition.
The company will add support for RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging next year, after longtime resistance. That’s the messaging approach used by most Android phones and devices, which sports added capabilities compared to older SMS/MMS messaging standards.
“Later next year, we will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard as currently published by the GSM Association,” Apple said in a statement to media outlets. “We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users.”
Apple’s previous approach was to stick to pushing iMessage features that only worked with other users using iMessage. RCS, meanwhile, offered iMessage-like rich features to texts across platforms.
Just last year, Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook responded to a conference question about adding cross-platform RCS support by urging attendees to buy iPhones instead.
The move came as a deadline arrived for appeals to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which enforces key requirements for major companies to make their services interoperable.