iMessage is definitely some of the widespread messaging platforms within the US, which has resulted in long-standing dialogue about its interoperability with non-Apple gadgets. Whereas some customers are ready for the iPhone to get RCS help later this yr, evidently Meta has been benefiting from this case as WhatsApp’s each day energetic person base has grown within the U.S. However will it ever overtake iMessage?
WhatsApp’s each day energetic person base grows within the U.S.
In keeping with analytics agency Apptopia, WhatsApp was some of the downloaded apps within the U.S. in 2023, together with Theads, TikTok, and Instagram. It had 5% extra downloads than final yr, whereas the each day energetic person base within the US grew by 9% final yr. Extra curiously, Apptopia says that WhatsApp is gaining popularity amongst iPhone customers.
However why is WhatsApp getting extra consideration from customers within the US? Journalist Alex Kantrowitz believes that the iMessage versus SMS and RCS combat is likely one of the causes behind this. And right here’s why.
Because the iPhone dominates the smartphone market share within the U.S., it’s no shock that many individuals use iMessage day-after-day – particularly because it comes activated and constructed into the SMS app of each new iPhone. Nevertheless, iMessage shouldn’t be out there for Android gadgets (or every other platform), which ends up in the blue and inexperienced bubbles dialogue.
As a result of Android customers don’t have iMessage and iPhone customers are restricted to SMS when utilizing the Messages app, the alternate of messages between these two platforms is sort of restricted. Help for group chats is sort of fundamental, you’ll be able to’t write lengthy texts, and there’s a restrict to sending media recordsdata similar to photographs and movies.
Why is WhatsApp rising in popularity within the US?
Apple has at all times argued that Android customers can purchase an iPhone if they need the perfect messaging expertise. Nevertheless, not everyone seems to be prepared to purchase a brand new cellphone due to that. And as famous by Kantrowitz, WhatsApp is changing into the go-to alternative for big group chats, similar to faculty mum or dad teams and even work-related chats.
With WhatsApp, every group can have as much as 1,024 individuals. However extra importantly, the app is cross-platform, so each iOS and Android customers can be a part of a gaggle chat and have entry to the identical options.
WhatsApp’s enterprise options, that are already extremely popular all over the world, have additionally been getting quite a lot of consideration within the US lately. The app’s each day enterprise customers elevated by 80% within the U.S. in 2023. “Exterior the U.S., individuals purchase vehicles, reserve tables at eating places, and inquire about services by means of WhatsApp. Now, companies within the U.S. are adopting that performance,” Kantrowitz stated.
There’s additionally one other potential purpose why extra smartphone customers within the US have been downloading WhatsApp lately, and that’s the rise in worldwide journey.
There was a report variety of People touring to different international locations in 2023 after the pandemic. Since WhatsApp is the primary app in lots of different areas, vacationers needed to obtain the app to outlive overseas – and a few of them continued to make use of the app each day even after returning to the U.S.
Will it ever overtake iMessage?
The truth that extra individuals within the US have been utilizing WhatsApp lately is unquestionably intriguing. Nevertheless, a minimum of for now, it’s arduous to see WhatsApp as a risk to iMessage within the US. Plus, Apple has already confirmed that will probably be including RCS help to iOS quickly, which is able to significantly enhance messaging between iPhone and Android customers.
In consequence, those that felt the necessity to obtain WhatsApp might find yourself switching again to the Messages app as soon as RCS turns into out there on the iPhone.
What about you? Do you employ WhatsApp frequently or have you ever downloaded the app lately? Tell us within the feedback part beneath.
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