Nearly three years after disappearing from the Google Play Store following a major security controversy, Sunbird Messaging has made a comeback. The company has relaunched its iMessage for Android service with a renewed focus on privacy, security, and reliability, while introducing a paid subscription model for users who want access to Apple’s messaging platform without switching devices.
The new version of Sunbird became available on August 5, 2026, and costs $2.99 per month or $24 annually. New users can also take advantage of a 14 day free trial before deciding whether the service is worth paying for.
Sunbird’s biggest appeal remains unchanged. It gives Android users access to iMessage, allowing them to appear as blue bubble participants in conversations with iPhone users. While Apple introduced Rich Communication Services support in 2024 to improve messaging between Android and iPhone, green bubbles continue to exist, something many users still associate with a social divide.
The company believes there is still enough demand from Android users who want the complete iMessage experience without moving to an iPhone.
Why Sunbird still believes blue bubbles matter
Apple’s adoption of RCS solved many long standing messaging issues between Android and iPhone users. High quality photos and videos, typing indicators, read receipts, and better group messaging are now available across platforms.
However, one thing did not change. Android users still appear with green message bubbles inside Apple’s Messages app.
Sunbird sees this as an opportunity rather than a limitation. Its platform allows Android devices to communicate through Apple’s iMessage network, making conversations appear exactly as they would between two Apple users.
The service supports familiar iMessage features including reactions, group conversations, media sharing, and other messaging tools that many Apple users expect.
According to research cited by the company, around 30 percent of Android users have considered switching to an iPhone because of the social perception surrounding green bubbles. The survey also suggested that nearly one in four iPhone users would avoid dating someone who uses an Android phone.
Whether those numbers reflect broader consumer behavior or not, Sunbird is betting that the blue bubble experience is valuable enough for users to pay a monthly subscription.
Security takes center stage after the 2023 controversy
Sunbird’s previous shutdown was triggered by serious security concerns that damaged the company’s reputation.
In late 2023, researchers uncovered significant flaws in the platform’s encryption and authentication systems. Reports showed that hundreds of thousands of user files could be accessed because of weaknesses in the company’s infrastructure. Users also discovered that private conversations could potentially be intercepted despite claims of end to end encryption.
The company says the latest version has been completely rebuilt with security as its highest priority.
Chief Executive Officer Danny Mizrahi said an independent security audit examined the new platform and found no critical vulnerabilities. One of the biggest changes involves how Apple account credentials are handled.
According to the company, an Apple ID password is used only once during the initial connection process. Once the session has been established, the password is immediately destroyed instead of being stored on company servers. Sunbird also says it does not retain authentication tokens that could later be used to access a customer’s Apple account.
The company added that messages moving through its infrastructure remain protected while being delivered. Media files are automatically removed from its servers, usually within 48 hours and never longer than 72 hours.
These changes are clearly intended to rebuild trust among users who were concerned by the original service’s security failures.
More messaging services and AI features are on the roadmap
Sunbird is positioning itself as more than just an iMessage solution.
Alongside iMessage support, the app already allows users to manage Google Messages and traditional SMS conversations from a single interface. Later this year, the company plans to expand compatibility by adding WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
Artificial intelligence is another major focus for the platform.
Sunbird says it is developing an AI assistant capable of performing simple messaging tasks such as drafting replies and organizing conversations. Another upcoming feature called Catch Me Up will generate summaries of unread chats, making it easier for users to catch up on long conversations without scrolling through every message.
The company says these AI tools are being developed with privacy protections in place so user conversations remain secure.
For Sunbird, the challenge now extends beyond technology. The service must convince users that its rebuilt platform is secure enough after its troubled past while also proving that blue bubbles are still worth paying for in a world where RCS has already narrowed the gap between Android and iPhone messaging.
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