Technologies

Why Apple Adding RCS Won’t Change Blue Bubble, Green Bubble Drama

Commentary: Apple and Google will likely find new ways to fight for texting.

Back in 2003, Apple’s then-CEO Steve Jobs showed a slide declaring that «Hell froze over» before announcing that the company’s iTunes software was debuting on Windows, opening up a once-exclusive Mac feature to a much wider audience. Twenty years later and you could say Apple’s frozen Hell over once again, this time by announcing that its iPhone will soon support the RCS texting standard — a move that will likely improve how texts send and receive between the iPhone and Android phones.

While we don’t yet know the true extent that Apple will support RCS beyond a statement that it will provide better «interoperability» when compared to SMS and MMS, Apple’s already made it clear that RCS texting will co-exist with its iMessage service. That means Apple will likely continue to differentiate between texts sent between its devices and texts sent to non-Apple devices like an Android phone or a basic phone. In fact, Apple did confirm to 9to5Mac that — at minimum — green bubbles will still be used to label a text that’s sent over RCS. While on a technical level that will continue to label who’s using an iPhone and who isn’t during texting, that could also continue a digital divide in countries like the US where iMessage is particularly dominant.

It’s also likely that we will continue to see plenty of features remain exclusive to either Apple’s iMessage or Google’s own Messages app, even if both companies are going to agree to support the RCS standard. While RCS itself has more bandwidth to support features like typing indicators and high-quality photo sharing, how that will be displayed when sending texts between the iPhone and an Android phone is still very much in the air.

However there is room to celebrate. Apple adopting RCS is likely to lead to substantially more investment into the texting standard, especially when compared to antiquated SMS and MMS messages that have remained largely the same over the past 20 years. The Qi wireless charging standard, for instance, received a big boost when Apple started supporting it with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, with Qi2 now set to bring faster magnetic wireless charging to future Android phones. But it’s still probably a good idea to limit expectations, as RCS inclusion might not displace iMessage anytime soon.

Apple and Google have exclusives, and RCS doesn’t mean they’ll be shared

Many of Apple’s best iMessage features aren’t restricted to messaging, even if blue bubble chats are the most common place that they are used. These include iOS 17’s Stickers – which allow you to make GIF-like images that can be «stuck» onto a text and decorative Contact Posters that can be automatically shared with your contacts should you choose. That’s along with app integrations where developers can let people over iMessage play games together, send flight info, exchange payments or include even more emojis.

Google has also invested heavily into its Messages app, often touting new features alongside its campaign over the last several years to get Apple to adopt RCS. This has included features like Magic Compose that use AI to generate text drafts, text scheduling and — perhaps most importantly — its own encryption standard for message privacy.

Even though Google Messages may use the RCS standard to employ many of these features and encryption, that has not meant the features themselves are built directly into RCS. For instance, Apple has also told 9to5Mac that it will not use the same encryption that Google uses in its Messages app, and will instead opt to work with the GSMA organization to improve the encryption standard that’s included within RCS.

Google’s own statement appears to acknowledge the upcoming divide, with the company «welcoming Apple’s participation» while looking forward to «working with them to implement this on iOS in a way that works well for everyone.»

But even if Apple and Google find a way to share typing indicators and other modern features over RCS, both companies are still going to be rivals in the smartphone market. Expect both to continue to find ways to tout messaging features that will remain exclusive to iOS or Android, and for it to remain quite noticeable when those features are not easily shared from an iPhone to an Android, or vice-versa.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 closed with WhatsApp open on the cover screen

What about WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and other services

Even as Apple and Google begin working together on the RCS standard, it’s quite likely that you’ll still want to use other constantly evolving chat apps. Since the RCS standard still needs to work to improve built-in features like encryption, services like WhatsApp, Signal and Facebook Messenger may still be more convenient for many conversations.

For instance, last year Apple opened up FaceTime by allowing users to invite participants to a call using a web browser link. This allows for people on Android or Windows to join a FaceTime call over a web browser. But it simply doesn’t have the same inherent ease of use as a native app on those platforms. At times when I’ve tested FaceTime over a web browser, participants logging in over a web browser sometimes have connection issues and appear inside of a smaller window than participants on an iPhone. However, if I fire up a group video call on Facebook Messenger or Zoom, participants can just use the native app for those services and the call just works since they are fully built to work on different operating systems.

I expect that RCS texting may have its own similar growing pains. However even if there’s a way to go for the RCS standard to reach maturity, Apple and Google both agreeing to support the standard provides hope that it might actually replace the decades-old SMS and MMS. If it gets us any closer to saying goodbye to grainy photos sent over MMS, that alone could be worth the wait.

Technologies

Memorial Day Deal: We Love These Twelve South Charging Devices and They’re Now Up to $50 Off

Never run out of battery, thanks to these fantastic Memorial Day deals from Twelve South.

If you’re like me, to get through the day you probably need your earbuds, phone and devices. That also means constantly scanning for electrical outlets and strategizing which gadget deserves to be charged first. Thankfully, there are gadgets that can take care of more than one precious device at a time, and they can be had for less this Memorial Day. Twelve South is now offering its wares for up to $50 off, and Amazon is matching many of its offers.

The Twelve South 2-in-1 ButterFly wireless charger is one of the highlights of this sale. It’s now down to just $80, saving you $50 off its usual asking price of $130. This portable charger lets you power two devices while you’re on the go, and it can fold up, so you can put it in your pocket or purse for safekeeping. Twelve South is also behind the ButterFly SE, a more budget-friendly alternative that works with iPhones and Apple Watches. This is down to $70 right now and saves you $30.

Twelve South also makes MagSafe chargers capable of charging even more devices, such as the HiRise 3 Deluxe, which is now only $80. This MagSafe charger is perfect for ensuring your phone, smartwatch and earbuds can all be powered at once.

Finally, the PlugBug with FindMy is the perfect USB-C charger for anyone who wants a traditional charging block that can be easily tracked. The 50-watt version is now just $60, bringing it down from its usual price of $70. We suggest looking through the entire set of deals available at Twelve South and Amazon, because selection might vary.

If you’re in need of a charging device but aren’t sure if these deals are for you, check out our list of Memorial Day deals under $25, which features some standout offers.

Why this deal matters

Twelve South makes a variety of chargers that are perfect for your smartphone, earbuds, smartwatch and other devices. Its Memorial Day sale offers ample opportunity to save, and Amazon is matching many of the markdowns as well.

Technologies

Memorial Day Deal: My Favorite iPhone Portable Charger Is 25% Off at Amazon

The Anker 622 MagGo snaps neatly onto the back of my iPhone and goes everywhere I do. Grab it now for less than $35 for Memorial Day.

Like most people, I take my phone with me wherever I go and use it for just about every aspect of my life. And like most folks, I also live in constant fear that my iPhone’s battery will die on me right when I need it most. The Anker 622 MagGo, which CNET ranked as the best magnetic power bank with an integrated stand, has alleviated that concern.

And right now for Memorial Day, it’s seeing a 30% discount on Amazon. That drops the price down to just $34, making it an excellent value. The charger comes in a variety of colors, with Interstellar Gray being the cheapest at the moment when you apply the on-page coupon. Misty Blue and Buds Green are down to $36, which is still a pretty great deal.

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Here’s why I’ve stuck with this little charger for so long

Have you seen people walk around with a loop of cable hanging from their pocket to their phone? I’ve been there and hooked that loop on too many chairs and table corners. Never again. The ring of magnets in the Anker 622 MagGo aligns with the MagSafe magnets in every iPhone since the iPhone 12, latching securely and charging without wires. (The notable exception is the iPhone 16E, which does not offer MagSafe but does charge wirelessly using Qi technology. The Anker 622 MagGo will charge the iPhone 16E but won’t latch to it magnetically.)

It’s also compact — a little backpack feeding power to the phone while you’re holding it or have it stashed in a pocket, even a jeans pocket if your fit isn’t too tight.

Those features alone would have convinced me but the Anker 622 also includes a fold-out back flap that props up my iPhone and can also hold the phone in its wide orientation for StandBy mode. With a power adapter such as the Anker Nano Pro (not included) and a charging cable, I’ve taught long classes with the phone angled to help me keep track of the time without checking my watch.

Essential Anker 622 MagGo specs

Here’s what you need to know.

Battery capacity: 5,000 milliamp hours
Voltage: 1.55 volts
Output: 7.5-watt Magnetic (compatible with MagSafe-equipped devices, iPhone 12 and later) or 20-watt USB-C port. Can charge only one device at a time.
Input: The same single USB-C is also how you recharge the device.
Size: 4.13-inch by 2.61 inches by 0.5 inch
Weight: 5 ounces
Included: Magnetic battery, 60cm (23.6 inches) USB-C to USB-C cable
Warranty: 24 months

MagSafe-compatible charging

I’ve owned several battery chargers and each one has some sort of compromise. They’re bulky. They require a cable. They charge wirelessly but don’t include a magnet to keep the phone in place so it’s hard to maintain that connection. There’s always something.

The Anker 622 is half an inch thick and snaps onto the back of my iPhone using the MagSafe-aligned magnets. I don’t have to turn it on to start charging — power flows as soon as the connection is made.

Now, this isn’t the highest-capacity (5,000 mAh) or fastest portable charger. That’s fine. What I usually need is a way to eke out a few more hours of battery life on my iPhone. I can typically get a full top-off of my iPhone 15 Pro.

Making a stand

The other appealing feature of the Anker 622 MagGo for me is its built-in stand. Honestly, it doesn’t look like it should work well: It’s a fabric-covered set of plastic pieces that lie flush against the case, folds in two places and attaches to the back of the unit with a magnetic strip when extended. Yet I’ve had no problems with the stability of my iPhone 15 Pro or even the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max size.

This also lets me use standby mode by turning the iPhone to landscape orientation (the magnets are strong enough to hold the phone in place) when it’s on a table or desk.

Smart port placement matters

The charger gets its juice from a single USB-C port, which is positioned on the edge of the case, not the bottom. That means you can replenish it while the stand is open — many chargers’ ports are stuck on the bottom.

That USB-C port also acts as a charger for other devices when you plug in a cable, such as when your Apple Watch needs a boost.

How the Anker 622 MagGo compares to similar power banks

Before getting the Anker 622 MagGo, I carried an Anker PowerCore III 10K Wireless, which doubles the battery capacity, includes a USB-A port and charges wirelessly but without magnets to hold the phone in place. That meant if I didn’t use a cable, the phone and charger needed to be stable and level; too often I’d find the iPhone slid off its wireless perch and not charged. It’s also larger and heavier. I still use it, but it’s the power bank that goes into my carry-on suitcase as a backup charger.

Since I’ve owned this Anker 622 MagGo, the company has released a few updated models. The $55 Anker 633 (currently on sale for $45) packs 10,000 mAh into a slightly thicker brick, includes a USB-A port in addition to USB-C and has a metal kickstand for resting the phone upright.

You can also consider getting the chunkier Anker MagGo Power Bank that delivers 10,000 mAh and follows the same idea of compact magnetic charging and a convenient kickstand. Its main appeals are faster 15-watt magnetic charging and Qi2 compatibility, plus a small display on the side that reports the battery capacity and an estimate of the remaining battery in hours.

For more smart buys, check out this amazing multitool and a portable TV that can go anywhere. And if you happen to be gift shopping, check out our roundup of the best gifts for grads and the best tech gifts for anyone, anytime of year.

Impulse Buys Under $25 That Make Surprisingly Great Gifts

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Technologies

Memorial Day Deal: The Apple Watch SE Returns to Its Best Price of 2025 So Far

Buy the Apple Watch SE for just $169 before the deal ends.

Memorial Day deals are in full swing right now and one of our top-rated smartwatches is on sale. The Apple Watch SE has dropped to its best price of the year, albeit one that might not last for long. If an Apple Watch SE is on your wish list, this deal is for you — order today, and you’ll pay just $169 for the 40mm version in your choice of case and band combinations.

Given the sometimes volatile pricing, we suggest ordering as soon as possible. This is your chance to pick up a solid smartwatch at a price that won’t break the bank.

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The Apple Watch SE is a great wearable. It also makes an excellent first smartwatch for kids. Features include crash detection, heart rate monitoring and activity tracking. Apple also says this model is carbon-neutral when you choose the Sport Loop band.

Looking to compare prices on Apple Watches? We’ve rounded up the best Apple Watch bargains. And if you’re hoping for a new iPhone to pair with that watch, we’ve rounded up our favorite iPhone deals, too.

Why this deal matters

We’re big fans of Apple’s smartwatches but not everyone can pay to put the company’s premium models on their wrist. The Apple Watch SE offers many of the same features on a budget, and this is your chance to get it for even less than usual. This is the lowest price we’ve seen this model fall to in the last few months, which makes now the perfect time to order yours.