Apple Dodges EU Regulation for iMessage, Does This Mean Interoperability is Canceled?

A new report is now claiming that Apple did not make the list that requires it to make the popular iMessage experience interoperable across different platforms in the European Union. This means that the service and the Cupertino company may not face EU's regulation for making the iMessage a universal service that would make it universal across iOS, Android, and more.

It is widely known that there were initial campaigns for iMessage's interoperability from Google, urging the EU to include the iMessage, apart from the significant pressure from the industry.

Apple Dodges EU Regulation for iMessage

Bloomberg reported that iMessage would not qualify for the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), and this means that Apple will not be forced to make the service available for all. The Cupertino giant dodged a bullet in the supposed inclusion of its service under an EU regulation, especially as the Union is currently establishing the rules it will enforce via the DMA.

EU is still deciding what will go for its fairness and privacy rules that it will subject Big Tech "gatekeepers" moving forward with the regulatory decisions.

Despite Google's efforts to push for iMessage's regulatory qualification, the reports claim it did not make the list. On the other hand, WhatsApp makes the list as it is dominant in business usage, with the DMA focusing on this aspect as of now.

No More Interoperability for iMessage?

It remains unknown how Apple would move forward with iMessage's interoperability, especially amidst these reports of not making the list that will require the company to make the service universal.

Apple's iMessage sees 45 million monthly active users in the EU, but is under the general consumers category and not for business, unlike WhatsApp.

Apple, iMessage, and its RCS

For many years, different Big Tech companies have attacked and shaded Apple with their decision to stay with SMS and MMS communication protocol for its iMessage, with the company centering on texts for its ecosystem. This effectively made Apple's iMessage an exclusive experience as others have transitioned towards RCS adoption, with Google claiming it is outdated with the 'iPager' campaign.

However, that changed last November when Apple claimed that it would soon adopt the Rich Communication Services(RCS) for its communication protocol, and this sparked a ray of hope across the tech industry. The company plans to rollout support available on its devices come late 2024, with the RCS Universal Profile being its standard, and hopes to collaborate with the GSM Association.

While this confirmation last month is already making waves in the tech industry, Apple is not getting the pressure for interoperability requirements to arrive for its EU operations claims the latest reports. It is a different story in other regions, especially in the United States, but how it will play out in the future is yet to unfold, with iMessage dodging regulation in the EU.