To a large extent, Apple’s strategy is based on the “status” of having an iPhone, since it sets it apart from the rest. One of the functions that reinforce this logic is “iMessage”, where iPhone users can exchange messages between themselves for free over the internet, which appear on their screens on a blue background, but when someone with “Android” sends them message to their number, it is delivered to them as “SMS, with a green background.
Google and several telecommunications companies are asking European regulators to stop this separation, requiring Apple’s “iMessage” to be compatible with other phones.
According to the “Financial Times”, Google and the other signatories want “iMessage” to be designated as an essential platform service under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The “DMA” aims to give more choice to users by setting strict competition rules. Apple and Alphabet, Google’s parent company, are among six tech giants dubbed “gatekeepers” because they run important services.
Meta’s “WhatsApp” and “Messenger” have been designated as core platform services, meaning they are subject to stricter regulations.
And the European Union has already been investigating whether “iMessage” should be considered a core platform service since it announced the designations in September.
If “iMessage” is included in the stricter regulations, Apple will have to make it interoperable with other mobile phone operating systems such as Google’s “Android”.
An Apple representative told the “FT” that:
“Consumers today have access to a wide variety of messaging apps and often use several at the same time, reflecting how easy it is to switch between them.”
while adding that:
“We look forward to explaining to the committee why ‘iMessage’ is outside the scope of the DMA.”
moneyreview.gr with information from Business Insider
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