Android users utilizing Google Messages are encountering a peculiar issue where GIFs received from iPhone users appear distorted, with missing pixels and dotted lines. This problem arises because iOS does not support the Rich Communication Services (RCS) used by Google Messages, leading to GIFs being sent via SMS or MMS. However, iOS is expected to support RCS next year.
According to 9to5Google, frustrated Android users have taken to Reddit to report distorted GIFs on both Pixel and Galaxy devices. A Pixel 7 Pro owner found that disabling the “Send photos faster” setting on Google Messages resolved the issue. However, another Android user continued to receive distorted GIFs from an iPhone user even with the settings disabled, suggesting this solution may not work in all cases.
Google Support suggests another solution to fix the issue, but it may seem daunting to smartphone owners who haven’t backed up their data. This solution involves performing a factory reset, which can be intimidating. However, there is an alternative method you can try. To activate this, launch the Google Messages app and tap the profile icon in the upper right corner. From the ensuing menu, navigate to Messages settings and switch off the “Send photos faster” option.
It’s worth noting that not all GIFs sent from an iPhone to an Android device are affected by this issue. My personal experience with sending GIFs from an iPhone 15 Pro Max to a Pixel 8 and a Galaxy S24 Ultra showed no issues with distortion. Interestingly, some Redditors even found the distorted images visually appealing, with one commenting that it “actually looks kinda cool” and another remarking that it “looks dope tbh.”
A Pixel user has reported receiving corrupted GIFs from multiple iPhone users across two Pixel phones in the last few weeks. Apple’s iOS is expected to include support for RCS later this year, possibly with the release of iOS 18. This could mean that the first iOS 18 beta, set to launch at WWDC next month, may have RCS support integrated. This, combined with Apple’s AI initiative, could potentially attract a larger number of iPhone users to participate in the iOS 18 beta program come June.
Frequently Asked Questions
re all GIFs sent from iPhone to Android affected by this issue?
No, not all GIFs are affected. Some users have reported no issues with certain GIFs, while others have experienced distortion.
Is there a fix for the distorted GIFs issue?
Google Support suggests disabling the “Send photos faster” option in Google Messages settings as a potential solution. However, this may not work for all users. Some have reported success with this method, while others have not.
Is performing a factory reset the only solution recommended by Google Support?
No, while Google Support suggests a factory reset as a solution, it’s often considered a drastic step, especially for users who haven’t backed up their data. Disabling the “Send photos faster” option is an alternative solution that users can try first.
When can we expect iOS to support RCS?
Apple’s iOS is expected to include support for RCS later this year, possibly with the release of iOS 18. This may lead to improved compatibility between iOS and Android devices in terms of messaging features.
Will the upcoming iOS 18 beta at WWDC include RCS support?
It’s speculated that the first iOS 18 beta, set to launch at WWDC next month, may integrate RCS support. This could attract more iPhone users to participate in the beta program, especially considering Apple’s AI initiatives.
Conclusion
The distortion of GIFs sent from iPhones to Androids via Google Messages is due to iOS’s lacking support for RCS. While some GIFs are unaffected, users have encountered frustration. Google suggests disabling “Send photos faster,” but this isn’t always effective. A factory reset is a last resort. There’s hope for RCS support in iOS 18, possibly attracting iPhone users to beta test at WWDC.