Documents reveal that Apple has a lot to lose by bringing iMessage to Android

Much of Apple’s strength lies in its highly efficient, yet closed ecosystem. In fact, Cupertino has the ability to entice customers with a service or attractive product and then deliver a full range of internal applications. Their dynamics often do the rest. This is also the reason why Apple brand fans find it difficult to plan themselves with different products. The iMessage app, which will soon celebrate its tenth anniversary, is an integral part of this philosophy. It is not uncommon for people on iOS to regret not being on Android.

A recent The legal case between Apple and Epic It sheds light again on this monopoly process. But this time the developers of Fortnight provided some evidence.

Deliberate choice

In fact, Epic wanted to prove in court that Apple continues to block customers in its ecosystem. To do this, Epic did not hesitate to quote the words of two key managers of the company who specialize in software development, Eddie Q and Craig Federhi. In early 2013, emails from Q claimed that Apple had the ability to create an Android version of iMessage.

For his part, Federichi believed that iMessage on Android would help parents remove a barrier on iOS, so he “Give their children Android phones”. Bill Schiller, Apple’s marketing VP, told himself in 2016 “IMessage on Android hurts us more than good”. The statements are ultimately not really surprising, but the reports are qualified to confirm to what extent these exemptions are maintained. However, it is difficult for Epic to win his case with these kinds of arguments alone. We imagine that Apple’s lawyers would argue that these are purely commercial decisions.
Business is business.