Meta is developing a new ad campaign aimed at Apple''s iMessage platform head-on. Apple''s ad campaign today criticizes Apple for only offering end-to-end encryption for iMessage, not standard SMS communication. WhatsApp, on the other hand, offers end-to-end encryption that works on iPhones and Android.
Meta: WhatsApp vs iMessage
Zuckerberg shared an image of the new advertising at New York''s Penn Station. It plays into the Green Bubble and Blue Bubble debate, exposing both those alongside a WhatsApp message bubble, which simply means Private Bubble.
With end-to-end encryption, the ad detects personal messages across devices. Always message privately.
Zuckerberg adds that WhatsApp is more private and secure than iMessage. He addresses the possibility of a lack of end-to-end encryption for Android users, and the possibility that Apple does not provide support for iMessage backups with end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp is far more private and secure than iMessage, with end-to-end encryption that works on both iPhones and Android, including group chats. With WhatsApp, you can also set all new chats to disappear with the tap of a button. Last year we introduced encrypted backups. All of which iMessage still doesn''t have.
Google has wowed respect for continuing to expand iMessage with the RCS standard, but RCS messages are offered end-to-end encryption, although Google hasn''t yet implemented encryption in group messages.
Google is also participating in an ongoing Get the Message ad campaign aimed at Apple''s absence of RCS adoption. The company believes that Apple should improve RCS so that iPhone and Android users texting each other can benefit fromfromread receipts, typing indicators, sending over data, higher-res video and images, and better group chats.
Meta, however, would not be able to force Apple to adopt RCS. In effect, Meta would be harmed if Apple would adopt the feature, as it would eliminate the need for WhatsApp for many individuals.
Despite the pressure, Apple has not indicated that it intends to support RCS in the Messages app. Do you think Apple should cave in and add RCS support to iPhone? Should it take other steps to improve cross-platform communication? Let us know down in the comments.
Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck) writes a post.