Google calls on Apple to end the 'green-versus-blue-bubble' war

Google Messages logo on phone screen.
(Image credit: sdx15 | Shutterstock)

Google is celebrating 30 years of SMS by rolling out a much awaited security feature for Google Messages. Now, group chats on the Google Messages app will be end-to-end encrypted. And it's also applying pressure once again for Apple to tear down one of the biggest parts of its walled garden. 

Google announced the new features as part of its celebration of 30 years of SMS in a blog and in a push towards RCS (Rich Communication Services) that Google calls “the next generation of cross-platform texting."

Green bubble vs. blue bubble 

Apple is one of the few companies that has stayed away from adopting RCS and is notoriously known for its green text bubbles for Android users. Google has taken digs at Apple for not switching to RCS and ending the "whole 'green-versus-blue bubble' thing.

Neena Budhiraja, the Group Product Manager for the Messages app has cited security as one of the main reasons why the whole industry should adopt RCS. She also calls out Apple saying its “texting is stuck in the 1990s."

This is also part of Google’s ongoing “Get the Message” campaign aimed at the iPhone maker. We will have to see if Apple will eventually cave in. Apple’s iMessage also has end-to-end encryption on all chats, limited emoji reaction and has FaceTime baked into the app.

Cupertino maintains its iPhone-exclusivity by labelling chats in blue between iPhone users, so it is difficult to say if it will adopt RCS to put an end to that. On the other hand, if it does, it will become much easier for Android and iPhone users to communicate and share images, videos and files.

Just don't expect that to happen. Back in September Tim Cook told a reporter to buy their mom an iPhone when asked about the messaging compatibility issues between Android and iPhone. 

Apple also needs to realize that in the vast world of cross platform features, there might be other avenues where it might need to partner with Google. In fact, just recently Google and Apple joined hands in being able to share digital car keys.

Google Messages gets end-to-end encryption

Google first announced end-to-end encryption for group chats back in May at Google I/O 2022. Now, after nearly seven months, the new feature is entering beta testing and will be available for anyone enrolled in the Play Store program. End-to-end encryption ensures only you and the person or people you are messaging can read or listen to what's sent, not even Google. 

Screenshot of group chats on Google Messages app

(Image credit: Google)

Messaging apps like WhatsApp already had this feature for group chats for a few years now, so Google was playing catchup. 

In addition, Google also confirmed that expanded emoji reactions will be coming to Messages. This is another feature we would have expected the platform to have slightly earlier. But finally with the end-to-end encryption on group chats as well, Google’s Messages seems to be up to the standard of other messaging services.  

Sanjana Prakash
News Editor

Sanjana loves all things tech. From the latest phones, to quirky gadgets and the best deals, she's in sync with it all. Based in Atlanta, she is the news editor at Tom's Guide. Previously, she produced India's top technology show for NDTV and has been a tech news reporter on TV. Outside work, you can find her on a tennis court or sipping her favorite latte in instagrammable coffee shops in the city. Her work has appeared on NDTV Gadgets 360 and CNBC.

Read more
Google Messages on Android phone next to Messages app on iPhone
FBI warns Apple and Android users to avoid RCS messaging — here's why
How to enable RCS messaging in iOS 18
iOS 18 finally brings RCS messages to iPhone — here's how to send them
Google Messages
Google Messages could soon copy one of the best WhatsApp features
Google Messages on an Android phone screen
Google Messages may start letting you delete embarrassing text messages — here’s how
An illustration of a person holding a smartphone with a padlock in front of speech bubbles on the screen
The best encrypted messaging apps in 2025
Satellite SOS
We just got our first look at satellite messaging on Android phones — here it is
Latest in Phones
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
A photo of Apple CarPly in use
Apple CarPlay just got a welcome upgrade in iOS 18.4 — what you need to know
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 beta 3 arrives today — all the newest features
Try Galaxy home screen on iPhone 16 Pro Max
You can now try Samsung's latest One UI 7 software on your iPhone — here's how
Genshin Impact on a OnePlus Nord 4
Genshin Impact on Android finally adds controller support — 4 years after iOS
A render of the iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max just tipped for this performance secret weapon
Latest in News
Google Chromecast
Google has a fix for broken Chromecasts as long as you didn't factory reset
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Friday, March 14 (#642)
Intel CPU
Intel's Panther Lake appears in public for the first time — what we know about the new chip
OnePlus Pad 2 with keyboard
OnePlus Pad 2 Pro specs leak — this tablet is a beast
Josh Hartnett in Trap
Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
Gemini logo on smartphone
Google is giving away Gemini's best paid features for free — here's the tools you can try now