Apple is set to release iOS 18.2 next week, bringing long-awaited feature-rich Apple Intelligence tools to users. However, the update also includes a surprising change that could affect iPhone users: blue bubbles instead of green bubbles.
The green bubble issue has been an American problem for years, as WhatsApp has dominated the US market, making all users look the same. The FBI and China’s Ministry of State Security have both warned about the lack of end-to-end encryption in these messages.
Apple’s update allows iPhone users to change default apps, including their phone dialer and messenger, which can be encrypted for security. This is a crucial step towards resolving the green bubble issue, as users can switch to secure platforms like WhatsApp or Signal.
The EU’s Chat Control proposal, which would mandate operators to screen private chats for CSAM, has hit a snag in Europe. The European Pirate Party reported that the European Council Committee stopped the proposal due to opposition from multiple countries. This development comes after the FBI warned users about the need for responsible encryption, emphasizing the importance of black doors for law enforcement.
With iOS 18.2 on the horizon, the green bubble issue may soon become a thing of the past. As users respond to the network hacking news and its fallout, it remains to be seen how this will shape the future of secure messaging.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2024/12/07/apples-surprising-iphone-update-green-bubbles-end-next-week