Meta, now Facebook, is pushing to become the default messaging app on iPhones, following years of efforts. The company already owns three of the most popular messaging platforms worldwide. Apple’s latest iOS update, 18.2, will give users the option to select a different messaging app than Messages when sending instant messages.
In a major shift, iOS 18.2 confirms that users can choose an alternative messaging app, and the system will launch it automatically. Meta’s platforms, mainly WhatsApp, are best equipped to handle this new functionality. Apple’s decision is seen as a win for Meta and a huge setback for Google’s RCS, which has been years in the making.
The update doesn’t change the default delivery app for SMS messages but does open up a significant change to Apple’s walled garden. iPhone users will have to decide whether to use WhatsApp or other messaging apps. The move raises questions about security and privacy, as Meta handles user information. With millions of iPhone users affected, this decision is not to be taken lightly.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2024/11/21/apples-new-upgrade-choice-millions-of-iphone-users-must-now-decide