You know those sitcoms or ghastly Hindi movies where the lead characters are perpetually stuck in that ‘Will-they-won’t-they’ situations that frustratingly lead to nowhere? Well, that’s exactly what Apple seems to be doing with iMessages for Android.
There was talk of Apple opening up its highly popular chat client, iMessage, to Android users, but rumours fizzled out like dummy Diwali patakas. Just before the last WWDC, expectations ran high again and we’d hoped that Apple might make the transition. Unfortunately, we were only greeted with disappointment. And now, for the third time, we’re hearing murmurs of a possible expansion into other platforms.
Looks like Apple might bring iMessage to Android after all!
John Gruber, renowned tech blogger said, “I’ve heard from little birdies that mockups of iMessage for Android have circulated within the company, with varying UI styles ranging from looking like the iOS Messages app to pure Material Design. iMessage for Android may never see the light of day, but the existence of detailed mockups strongly suggests that there’s no ‘of course not’ to it.”
While a mockup isn’t infallible proof, it’s still too strong a pointer to ignore. So we can safely assume that there’s something cooking in Eddy Cue’s brain, assuming, of course, that John Gruber’s source is true and trustworthy.
For a very long time, Apple sold the iOS platform with the iMessages as its USP. It was exclusive and people craved for it. However, recent market trends suggest that people want compatibility more than exclusivity. That’s why we are seeing a rise of cross-platform compatible apps like WhatsApp and ShareIt.
Apple should also be wary of dying out like the Blackberry Messenger. Until recently, BBM worked on the same principles of exclusivity as iMessage. But, seeing how BBM fared, Apple needs to rethink their elite status, unless it wants to meet the same fate as BBM.
There’s a lot of competition in the instant messaging app-sphere. WhatsApp is obviously the undisputed reigning champion, closely followed by Line and Facebook Messenger. What’s common between all of them? They’re all cross-platform compatible.
It would make a lot of sense, therefore, if Apple is also looking to expand its territory beyond iOS devices. There’s a huge market to be tapped into. Software such as Apple Music is already available to the Android population, and a texting app from Apple would go a long way in building brand value and wooing potential customers.
You taking notes yet, Apple?
