The recent introduction of RCS Universal Profile 3.0 has made end-to-end encryption (E2EE) a standard feature for RCS chats, which now includes compatibility with iPhones. Apple plans to integrate this new RCS profile into its devices through an upcoming software update, enhancing the security of chats across its ecosystems.
Currently, E2EE is only available when both participants are using RCS chat via Google Messages on Android. In recent years, RCS messaging has stirred considerable debate, particularly as Google criticized Apple for its reluctance to adopt this standard.
However, Apple finally embraced RCS with the launch of iOS 18, though the initial implementation lacked the desired E2EE, as experienced on Android. This limitation is set to change, significantly benefiting communications between iPhone users and in mixed-group chats.
The GSM Association oversees the RCS specifications and has rolled out the RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which is based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. This upgrade guarantees that messages and media are encrypted before they are sent and can only be decrypted by the recipient’s device, ensuring that neither Google nor Apple can access your messages.
While Apple introduced RCS support with iOS 18, it initially utilized an older version that did not feature encryption, which stranded iPhone-to-Android chats in an unsecured state. The forthcoming update will bring encrypted RCS to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS.
Nonetheless, it is essential to note that RCS will not replace iMessage, maintaining the ongoing distinction between Apple and Android users, particularly concerning the infamous green bubble issue. On the Android side, Google has championed RCS as a standard messaging platform after several attempts to create a universally appealing chat app.
Although E2EE has been available on Android, it exclusively functions if both parties use Google Messages. If either user opts for another messaging app, encryption is limited during transit only.
Users can identify E2EE by the lock symbol in the chat window of the Google Messages app, and it is hoped that future updates will enhance encryption support beyond Google’s platform.
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