Google SVP Accuses Apple of Using iMessage to Bully Users Into Buying iPhones

Google SVP of Platforms and Ecosystems Hiroshi Lockheimer is accusing Apple of using iMessage to bully users into buying iPhones.

Lockheimer posted the following tweet after a WSJ article detailing iMessage's dominance among U.S. teens.

"Apple’s iMessage lock-in is a documented strategy. Using peer pressure and bullying as a way to sell products is disingenuous for a company that has humanity and equity as a core part of its marketing. The standards exist today to fix this."


Google has been trying to get Apple to support RCS for some time. RCS offers many of the rich messaging features available in iMessage, such as sending and receiving higher-quality photos and videos, chatting over Wi-Fi or data, read receipts, enhanced group chats, and secure messaging. The company completed its rollout of RCS support in November 2020. It's also convinced all three major carriers in the U.S. to make the switch from SMS to RCS.

Last year, Lockheimer offered to help Apple add RCS support...

Group chats don't need to break this way. There exists a Really Clear Solution. Here's an open invitation to the folks who can make this right: we are here to help.

At this point, there's no indication that Apple plans to add RCS support to iMessage; however, you can download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for updates.


Read More