Tim Cook says ‘buy your mom an iPhone’ in response to question regarding iOS adopting RCS messages
Apple CEO Tim Cook took questions during Kara Swisher’s Code Conference on Wednesday, which saw a panel direct queries to Cook, including what Apple’s view of the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol is, which aims to replace traditional SMS messages and improve the experience of messaging between iOS and Android devices.
Cook was asked by a panel member why Apple is yet to adopt the RCS protocol, with Cook responded by saying “I don’t hear our users asking that we put a lot of energy in on that at this point,” closing the query, however, as noted by The Verge, the panel member continued, noting the difficulties they faces when his mother send photos and videos to each other because she uses an Android device, while they use an iPhone.
In response, Cook said, “Buy your mom an iPhone.”
With the RCS protocol in place, the experience of messaging between iOS and Android devices would be similar to third-party messaging services, like WhatsApp. Apple has faced criticism by members of the industry for not adopting the protocol, and Cook’s response suggests no plans are in place to integrate Rich Communication Services within iOS anytime soon.