San Francisco, California – iPhone and Android users are set to benefit from the upcoming exchange of end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS messages due to the recent update in RCS specifications. The GSM Association revealed that the newest RCS standard will incorporate E2EE based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, allowing for interoperable encryption among various platform providers for the first time.
According to the GSM Association, efforts to enable E2EE on messages shared between Android and iPhone began in September of the previous year. E2EE serves as a crucial privacy and security feature, safeguarding the content of texts from being intercepted by third parties such as messaging providers or cell carriers. The GSMA mentioned that the new RCS standard was developed through collaboration with key industry players like Apple, mobile operators, device manufacturers, and technology providers.
Apple’s spokesperson, Shane Bauer, expressed enthusiasm for the inclusion of end-to-end encryption in the RCS Universal Profile, proclaiming the move as a significant step to enhance privacy and security. The company is planning to introduce support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages across various Apple devices, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, through future software updates. Apple has already integrated RCS support into iPhones via an iOS 18 update rolled out in September.
Google also welcomed the updated specification from GSMA, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a secure messaging experience for users of Google Messages. Ed Fernandez, a spokesperson for Google, highlighted that Google Messages users have been enjoying end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS messaging for years, demonstrating the company’s dedication to user protection. Moving forward, Google aims to implement and extend this crucial security feature to cross-platform RCS messaging within the mobile ecosystem.
The inclusion of end-to-end encryption in RCS messaging signals a significant advancement in the realm of digital communication, emphasizing the importance of privacy and security in our interconnected world. With both Apple and Google taking proactive steps to enhance user protection through encrypted messaging, iPhone and Android users can look forward to a more secure messaging experience in the near future.