Google is advancing the development of Rich Communication Services (RCS) by quietly testing Messaging Layer Security (MLS), a protocol designed to provide true cross-platform end-to-end encryption for messaging. This initiative, observed within Google Messages, is part of a broader effort to position RCS as a secure alternative to traditional SMS, especially as Apple prepares to adopt the protocol. In March 2023, the GSMA officially approved MLS as part of Universal Profile 3.0, effectively establishing it as the industry standard for RCS messaging. Google expressed its support for MLS earlier this year, but the momentum increased when Apple, often criticized for its exclusive iMessage platform, announced its intent to integrate RCS with encryption.
Although Apple hasn’t provided a specific timeline for implementation, its involvement could lend RCS the legitimacy it has been missing. Users of Google Messages may soon notice early features of this secure future. A newly redesigned “Details” page, currently undergoing limited testing, offers a glimpse of MLS functionality. This interface, accessed through a long press on a message, now displays a full-screen preview at the top and includes a “Status” section to indicate whether messages are “Sent” or “Delivered,” complete with modern checkmark icons.
Further down, technical details reveal crucial metadata, confirming the integration of “End-to-End Encrypted Rich Communication Service.” While the redesigned Details page and MLS support are not yet widely available, this limited rollout highlights Google’s commitment to making RCS a secure messaging option across multiple platforms. By introducing MLS now, Google not only establishes a lead over Apple’s upcoming implementation but also encourages broader adoption by device manufacturers and carriers. This proactive approach has the potential to prompt Apple to expedite its RCS plans, positioning encryption as a standard expectation in messaging.
With both Google and Apple moving towards universal encryption, the outlook for RCS is finally becoming more trustworthy for users.
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