Google, along with leading European telecom operators including Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica, and Orange, is urging the European Commission to classify Apple’s iMessage as a ‘core platform service’ under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This move, if successful, could have significant implications for the messaging landscape in Europe.
The DMA, enacted in August, is designed to promote fair competition and level the digital playing field within the European Union. It specifically targets ‘gatekeepers’—major digital platforms with over 45 million EU users and €7.5 billion in annual turnover. By regulating these gatekeepers, the EU aims to ensure a more open and competitive digital market.
The consortium led by Google argues that iMessage meets the criteria to be classified as a core platform service under the DMA. They believe that Apple should be compelled to integrate Rich Communication Services (RCS) within iMessage, aligning it with other popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Google Messages.
According to a report by the Financial Times, this integration is expected to take place by March 2024. If successful, it would mean that iMessage users would have access to features such as read receipts, typing indicators, and the ability to send high-quality media files. It would also enable interoperability between iMessage and other messaging apps, allowing users to communicate seamlessly across different platforms.
Apple, on the other hand, argues that iMessage does not meet the threshold of 45 million active EU users required by the DMA. The company maintains that iMessage is a proprietary service that is tightly integrated with its devices, providing a seamless and secure messaging experience for Apple users.
However, the European Commission is examining the possibility that iMessage indirectly contributes to Apple’s market dominance. While iMessage may not have 45 million active EU users on its own, it is widely used among iPhone users, who make up a significant portion of the smartphone market in Europe.
If the EU’s investigation concludes that iMessage is indeed a core platform service, Apple may be required to make changes to its messaging app. One potential outcome is the dissolution of the segregation between ‘green’ (SMS) and ‘blue’ (iMessage) bubbles, standardizing messaging across platforms within the EU by February 2024.
This move towards interoperability has both benefits and challenges. On one hand, it would enhance competition and give users more choices in terms of messaging apps. It would also promote innovation and encourage the development of new features and functionalities.
On the other hand, integrating RCS within iMessage could pose technical challenges and require significant investment from Apple. It would also require cooperation and collaboration between Apple and other messaging app providers to ensure seamless interoperability.
As the European Commission continues its investigation, the outcome of this push for iMessage integration remains uncertain. However, if successful, it could reshape the messaging landscape in Europe and have far-reaching implications for both Apple and its competitors.
