The IT industry is interested in Nothing's proposal to use "Nothing Chats" to bring iMessage functionality to Android.

With the help of Sunbird, the idea attempts to provide Android users access to iMessage, which is typically only available on Apple devices.

However, doubts regarding Sunbird's viability have been raised by the project's previous setbacks and absence of a public debut.

The likelihood of an Android OEM effectively providing iMessage support is still being determined. Historically, Apple has safeguarded service exclusivity, potentially obstructing such endeavors.

While the concept is intriguing, practical implementation doubts and potential Apple intervention cast uncertainty on the project's success.

(Photo : Unsplash/Alexander Shatov )

Sunbird's Trouble

To make iMessage available on Android, Sunbird has encountered much doubt and worries about its reliability. The company must demonstrate credibility as it had missed its launch deadline, even though it has been boasting this feature for some time.

In December 2022, Sunbird debuted at a press briefing promising iMessage on Android; however, the presentation fell short of journalistic norms, leading to suspicion.

The business managed to sidestep necessary inquiries regarding its policies and security protocols, essential when collecting sensitive Apple account information.

The company also seemed to ignored concerns regarding security procedures, storage of credentials, and potential infringements on Apple's terms of service.

Sunbird's reliability was questioned due to their failure to respond to these inquiries and their emphasis on the flimsy advantages of shared blue chat bubbles rather than critical technical details.

During the press briefing, the company failed to deliver precise and compelling answers, which casted doubt on its sincerity and motivations.

The lack of lucid justifications and avoidance of pertinent questions bred doubt, casting significant doubt on Sunbird's promise or iMessage on Android.

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How to Use Sunbird for iMessage

Through Sunbird's platform, users can access iMessage on Nothing Chats by logging in with their Apple ID. The platform guarantees message encryption without granting access to the content.

However, giving up Apple ID credentials to a third party poses security questions. There was no guarantee that inactive certificates would be removed after two weeks, but this didn't alleviate concerns about giving your Apple ID keys to strangers.

Apple may take legal action, which could impact Nothing Chats' survival ability.

Carl Pei, the CEO of Nothing, voiced skepticism about Apple getting involved, implying that the behemoth might not do anything to stop Nothing and Sunbird.

According to a recent report, Nothing Chats, aiming to replicate iMessage features on Android, showed functionality but needed some advanced iMessage capabilities.

The trial highlighted limitations such as the absence of message editing and partial Tapback reactions. Group messaging faced challenges sending messages and required all participants to be on iMessage. While supporting SMS, group messaging still functioned.

Nothing Chats promised indicators for typing, uncompressed media sharing, and plans for reading receipts and reactions.

Access to Sunbird, the service enabling iMessage on Android, initially prioritizes Nothing Phone 2 owners.

Apple's potential response or interventions as the feature's launch approaches remain uncertain. CEO Carl Pei aims to provoke discussions rather than revolutionize the landscape. Concurrently, the EU investigates iMessage's classification as an Apple "core platform service." Apple's stance on Nothing's plans is pending.

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