**Exciting Update for iPhone and Android Users: Emoji Reactions Now Function Smoothly Across Devices**
At last, some good news for iPhone and Android users caught up in the same group chat! Emoji reactions, known as Tapbacks, now operate correctly between iPhone and Android messages.
As reported by [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/7/24290703/apple-green-bubble-message-reaction-rcs-android), which first highlighted this minor tweak, when an Android user reacts to an iPhone message via RCS (Rich Communication Services), the emoji is displayed inline with the original message instead of appearing as a separate text. The same goes for iPhone users reacting to messages from Android users.
### SEE ALSO: [The DOJ claims Apple has a ‘green bubble’ issue. Here’s why they have a point.](https://mashable.com/article/apple-messages-green-doj)
We conducted our own test with Mashable Tech Editor and resident Android user Kim Gedeon, and it worked flawlessly for both of us. iPhone users need to ensure they’re on the latest iOS 18 version.
*Emojis now function effortlessly between our resident Android user and this iPhone user.*
*Credit: Screenshot: Mashable*
*And it’s effective for Android users as well.*
*Credit: Screenshot: Mashable*
For years, the disconnect between iPhones and Androids—resulting in the notorious green bubble—has [strained relationships](https://mashable.com/article/iphone-users-think-less-of-android-users-green-bubbles). Android devices utilize RCS messaging, an end-to-end encrypted system reliant on carrier connections. Conversely, Apple’s iMessage, which is also encrypted, works over Wi-Fi and cellular data but hasn’t been entirely compatible with RCS.
Nevertheless, thanks in part to the European Union’s [Digital Markets Act (DMA)](https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/digital-markets-act-ensuring-fair-and-open-digital-markets_en), which requires device interoperability, Apple has finally added RCS support with the [iOS 18 update](https://mashable.com/article/apple-ios-18-release-date-how-to-download).
While communication between iPhone and Android users is now more integrated, the green bubble is still here for the time being.