Google believes that Apple's messaging system, iMessage, should be opened up to others and has sought the European Union's assistance in this matter.
According to a report from the Financial Times, Google's argument is that iMessage is so crucial for many users that Apple should connect it with other messaging systems.
Google has involved several of Europe's largest operators in its appeal to the EU, including Vodafone and Deutsche Telecom.
The issue revolves around the new Digital Markets Act, set to be enforced in 2024. The EU Commission has until February to deliberate on the matter.
Apple has acknowledged having more than 10,000 users but argues that since iMessage is not a payment service, it should not be affected by the new EU regulations.
Google, however, views this as a case of "gatekeeping."
Interestingly, back in 2016, there were reports about Apple working on making iMessage available on Android, but this never materialized.
The outcome of this ongoing saga remains to be seen, especially in light of Apple's previous loss in the EU over the use of USB-C charging ports, which will become mandatory from 2024.
This development is part of a broader narrative involving new legislation that impacts companies with over 7.5 billion euros ($8 billion) in revenue and more than 10,000 customers.
