iMessage would previously send a separate text for each reaction

For those who prefer the default messaging app, the ability to communicate properly cross-platform has always been a sore spot. However, the latest beta release of Google Messages — which is the default texting app on most Android phones — finally shows proper reactions from iMessage users.

While most messaging services allow features such as replying to a specific message or replying with a reaction, the ability to do so cross-platform has been missing. Previously, if an iMessage user reacted to an Android user’s text, it would appear as a separate text message, reading to the effect of “John liked the message”. This created an unneccasry amount of clutter and notifications alike.

However, the new feature to display these reactions somewhat as intended appears to be live in version 20220121_02_RC00 of the app, according to Droid-Life. While the feature is rolling out, it bears mentioning that is not consistent between the two platforms.

The thumbs up and thumbs down reactions are similar across both platforms, but iOS’s “haha” reaction turns into “face with tears of joy” on Android, while “heart” becomes “smiling face with heart-eyes.” “Exclamation marks” become “face with open mouth” while “question mark” is “thinking face.” These are minor differences, but they could lead to significantly different interpretations of a reaction’s meaning.

Apple has often been accused of creating a ‘walled garden’ through its ecosystem, wherein each aspect of the software is meant to discourage users from switching platforms. iMessage, which is used by over 70% of Americans aged 18-24, is one of the pillars of this walled garden approach.