Google and major telecom operators in Europe have urged the European Commission to classify Apple’s iMessage as a “core” service, requiring it to be compatible with rival chat apps. They claim that iMessage meets the criteria of the Digital Markets Act and should benefit European consumers. Currently, only Apple users can communicate via iMessage, leading to concerns about loyalty and compatibility. Google has long sought to break iMessage’s exclusivity to Apple devices, arguing that it is anti-competitive. Apple defends its decision, prioritizing user privacy and data security, and stating that iMessage is the most popular messaging service in the US.
