What to know:

  • Android users can now send emoji reactions that appear correctly on iPhones, appearing directly next to messages instead of as separate text.
  • The update comes as part of Apple’s implementation of RCS messaging standard in iOS 18.
  • While message reactions are improved, Apple maintains the distinctive green bubble color for Android messages.

Apple has quietly rolled out an improvement that allows Android users’ message reactions to display properly on iOS devices, with emoji appearing alongside message bubbles rather than as separate text lines. This enhancement was discovered through testing between iPhones running iOS 18.1 and various Android devices. The Verge tested this feature and confirmed it to be working as intended.

Us casually discovering that message reactions work correctly now.
 Image via: The Verge

The update represents a significant shift in Apple’s messaging ecosystem, which has long been criticized for creating a divisive experience between iPhone and Android users. The Justice Department has even cited this messaging disparity in its antitrust suit against Apple, arguing it represents anti-competitive behavior.

This change comes as part of Apple’s broader adoption of the RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard, which brings several new features to cross-platform messaging, including read receipts, typing indicators, and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. The maximum file size for media sharing has been increased to 105MB per message, eliminating the need for heavy compression when sharing between platforms.

Despite these improvements, Apple maintains its distinctive color-coding system, with messages from Android users continuing to appear in green bubbles while iPhone-to-iPhone communications remain blue. This decision aligns with Apple’s strategy of maintaining certain exclusive features within its ecosystem.

Breaking down barriers while keeping the colors intact – Apple’s strategic balance between innovation and ecosystem control.