Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.2 update, set to release next week, introduces several new features, including the highly anticipated launch of Apple Intelligence tools. However, the most surprising change may be the elimination of the notorious “green bubbles” that have been a point of contention for iPhone users.
In the United States, the difference between blue and green message bubbles has become a symbol of brand loyalty and security. Blue bubbles represent messages sent via Apple’s secure iMessage service, while green bubbles indicate messages sent via SMS, which lacks end-to-end encryption.
Read more: Apple Launches iOS 18.1 with New AI Platform ‘Apple Intelligence’ for iPhone 16 and 15 Pro
Though it may seem insignificant, the green bubble issue has become a cultural marker, especially in the US, where iMessage dominates as a communication platform. WhatsApp, despite Meta’s efforts to make it more popular, has struggled to replace iMessage’s dominance, reaching only 100 million users in the US.
The move to remove the green bubble distinction is not just about social status—there are significant security concerns involved. Green bubbles have highlighted the lack of encryption in SMS, a vulnerability that has caught the attention of authorities, including the FBI and Chinese hacking groups linked to China’s Ministry of State Security, who have exploited this weakness in US telecom networks.
While the green bubble issue has been more of a cultural symbol than a technical problem, the security risks of SMS are serious. Unlike iMessage and WhatsApp, SMS lacks end-to-end encryption, making messages more susceptible to interception.
By removing the green bubble distinction, Apple aims to simplify messaging and enhance security for users. Soon, both iPhone and Android users will enjoy more secure, encrypted messaging by default, eliminating the visual divide between blue and green bubbles.
This change in iOS 18.2 is part of Apple’s continued commitment to improving security and user experience, reinforcing the growing importance of encryption in digital communications.
