iPhone and Android users will soon be able to exchange RCS standard messages with end-to-end encryption (E2EE), as the GSM Association has adopted an updated specification to include this security feature. The new RCS standard will utilize the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, enabling secure message exchanges between platforms of different manufacturers.
The GSM Association has confirmed that efforts are underway to implement inter-platform encryption for messaging between Android and iPhone users. With the integration of the MLS protocol in the new RCS standard, cross-platform through encryption will become a reality for the first time.
“End-to-end encryption is a crucial tool for ensuring confidentiality and security, a feature that has long been supported by iMessage. We are pleased to have played a role in introducing this security measure into the GSMA universal profile,” stated Apple representative, Shein Bauer. Apple has committed to incorporating support for the new standard across its services.
Previously, Apple had not implemented encryption for RCS messages due to the lack of cross-platform support in the earlier version of the standard. While Google Messages had end-to-end encryption, it was limited to exchanges between users of the app and did not extend to communication with iMessage users or other RCS clients on Android devices.
“Our priority has always been to enhance user protection, and we are excited to now expand this safeguard to facilitate inter-platform RCS message exchanges,” affirmed Google.