Apple will soon support encrypted RCS messaging with Android users
1 min read
Summary
The GSM Association has partnered with tech giants Apple and Google to update the RCS (rich communication services) standard, introducing end-to-end encryption for the first time.
RCS is a messaging protocol intended to replace SMS texts with richer, more interactive conversations, supporting features like read receipts and typing indicators.
The new RCS standard is based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, and will enable Android and Apple users to exchange encrypted messages, regardless of device type.
Apple has already confirmed it will roll out support for RCS end-to-end encryption across its devices in future software updates.
It is not clear when Google will release the update for Android devices, but the company stated it is “working as quickly as possible with the mobile ecosystem to implement and extend this important user protection to cross-platform RCS messaging.”
The update will provide a universal platform for encrypted messaging, simulating the experience of WhatsApp and Telegram users, who have long enjoyed E2EE on those messaging platforms.