Apple agrees to improve texting between iPhones and Androids

After years of reluctance, company announces iPhones will support RCS messaging standard

Apple plans to adopt a messaging standard that will allow for a smoother texting experience between iPhones and Android devices, long a point of contention with rival Google.

For years, Apple has refused to make its products play nice with devices not designed under its roof, a dynamic exemplified in the green background that is the hallmark of iPhone-to-Android chats.