Apple considered using iMessage on Android a decade ago but decided to keep it iPhone-only to retain users. It is not a technical problem as iMessage can run smoothly on Google operating system and other manufacturers. This is just one more strategy in the long war big tech is fighting.

Google seeks help from Europe. Tired of waiting for Apple to take action, Google asked Brussels for help to take action. In a letter accessed by the Financial Times, it is stated that Google has asked the European Commission to designate iMessage as an “essential” service under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

You are not alone in this petition, which was also signed by representatives of Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Orange. Major European operators also believe that expanding Apple’s messaging service will be beneficial.

The inclusion of iMessage is not yet on the cards. Last September, the Commission identified 22 services within the scope of the DMA. Six “watchdogs” in total and their respective systems. Apple is one of them, but the selected services also include App Store, Safari and iOS. However, iMessage was not included initially.

Even though the door remained open. The commission gave it five months to decide on iMessage.

The argument is that almost no one here uses iMessage. The justification given by Apple is that iMessage usage is now in Europe, as opposed to the United States. These low numbers justify not including it as an “essential” service and thus avoiding the obligation to open its ecosystem.

Another argument put forward by Apple is about privacy and security; It is assumed that this will be affected if they are forced to make iMessage compatible with Android phones.

We are tightening the ropes to make Europe stronger. The letter sent by Google and the operators is a move to pressure the European Commission to act more strongly.

“Consumers using Apple iPhones should be able to benefit from competitive services offered by various providers,” said Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market. A statement of intent that remains to be seen to what extent it translates into obligations.

Image | Guillaume Perigois

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