A peculiar issue has surfaced among Android users who utilize Google Messages: they are receiving GIFs from iPhone users that transform into distorted still images with dots and missing pixels. This problem arises because GIFs sent from iPhones to Android devices are transmitted via SMS or MMS, as iOS does not yet support the Rich Communication Services (RCS) platform used by Google Messages. However, iOS is expected to add support for RCS later this year.
Reports on Reddit have highlighted complaints from Android users experiencing these distorted GIFs on devices such as Pixel and Galaxy handsets. One Pixel 7 Pro owner resolved the issue by disabling the “Send photos faster” setting in Google Messages. Conversely, another user noted that this fix didn’t work for him, as the distorted GIFs persisted despite having already disabled the setting.
Google Support has suggested another potential solution, albeit a drastic one: a factory reset. This recommendation is understandably daunting for users who haven’t backed up their data. For those wishing to try the less severe option involving the “Send photos faster” toggle, the steps are as follows: open the Google Messages app, tap the profile icon in the upper right corner, navigate to Messages settings, and toggle off Send photos faster.
It’s important to note that not all GIFs sent from iPhone users to Android devices are affected. For instance, GIFs sent from an iPhone 15 Pro Max to a Pixel 8 and a Galaxy S24 Ultra were received without any issues. Interestingly, some Reddit users found the distorted images aesthetically pleasing, with comments like, “That actually looks kinda cool,” and “Actually looks dope tbh.”
One Pixel user reported receiving distorted GIFs from iPhone users over the last few weeks on two different Pixel phones. The impending RCS support for iOS could resolve this issue. The support is expected to be introduced later this year, possibly with the release of iOS 18. The first iOS 18 beta, which may include RCS support, is anticipated to launch next month at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Between the upcoming RCS support and Apple’s AI initiatives, there could be a surge in the number of iPhone users joining the iOS 18 beta program when it kicks off in June.
