For years, we’ve been faced with rumors and rumblings that Apple is preparing a version of iMessage for Android.
Today, Apple quashed those rumors by explaining why they don’t want to release a version of iMessage for Android.
The “iMessage on Android” rumors heated up prior to WWDC, when a report appeared online claiming that Apple was planning to reveal iMessage for Android in the near future. The rumors made sense. After all, Apple had just released its music streaming service on Android.
The Verge finally decided to put those rumors to rest by talking to a real Apple executive. In an interview with “a senior Apple executive”, The Verge asked whether or not the company was bringing iMessage to Android.
Apple Has No Driving Reason to Introduce iMessage on Android
That executive responded by stating that Apple has no major reason to bring iMessage to Android, as it would take away a major selling feature of iOS. iMessage also has a database of over 1 billion active devices, so Apple has a “large enough data set” for any artificial intelligence endeavors it wants to pursue. They don’t need billions of more users from Android.
Here’s what The Verge wrote:
“When I asked a senior Apple executive why iMessage wasn’t being expanded to other platforms, he gave two answers. First, he said, Apple considers its own user base of 1 billion active devices to provide a large enough data set for any possible AI learning the company is working on. And, second, having a superior messaging platform that only worked on Apple devices would help sales of those devices — the company’s classic (and successful) rationale for years.”
That makes complete sense – until you pause to consider why Apple brought Apple Music to Android earlier this year. Some people see it as a way to branch out and attract Android users, while others just see it as a necessary way to stay competitive with music streaming services like Spotify. Why would an artist release their music on Apple Music when they could attract a bigger audience on Spotify?
In any case, you shouldn’t be too upset about the lack of iMessage on Android. With so many different messenger apps available, it’s easy to dry your tears by trying out 30 different messenger apps in a day – something Apple users can’t do.
