Samsung has released a new video in support of Google’s #GetTheMessage campaign which calls for Apple to adopt RCS or “Rich Communication Services,” the cross-platform protocol pitched as a successor to SMS that adopts many of the features found in modern messaging apps… like Apple’s own iMessage.
You’d have to convince everyone to switch to it and most Americans are going to have the reaction of: “Why would I want another fucking app that I have to make another damn account for when I have something that does pretty much what I want built in”
Activity groups will usually use some other service for member messaging (ex: my D&D group uses Discord for campaign discussion even though we all have eachothers phone numbers, a outdoor activity groups like a hiking group may use a facebook page, etc.)
It’s not necessary to convince everyone to switch. Even one person switching from SMS to an internet-based chat app means a better chat experience with that person.
I’ve had multiple apps to be able to talk to everyone I know since about 1998, so I find the strong resistance you’re describing bizarre. I have encountered it a few times though.