The GSM Association (GSMA), which developed the Rich Communication Services (RCS) instant messaging protocol standard, has announced it is working to introduce end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messages sent between Android and iPhone devices. However, specific timeframes for the implementation of E2EE are not specified.
Image Source: MacRumors
The announcement came just after the release of iOS 18, which introduced support for the RCS protocol for messaging users on Android devices. While the update brings improvements such as high-definition media sharing, read receipts, and text input indicators, it still lacks end-to-end encryption, MacRumors noted.
According to GSMA CTO Tom Van Pelt, the next step for RCS Universal Profile will be “deployment of standardized, interoperable message encryption between different computing platforms.” The move aims to bridge a significant gap in cross-platform messaging security.
Currently, not all RCS providers offer end-to-end E2EE encryption. One exception is the SMS and instant messaging app Google Messages, which introduced E2EE support for RCS by default last year. Apple’s own iMessage system also supports E2EE, but this does not apply to RCS messages.
Implementing E2EE for cross-platform RCS messages will provide protection from third party viewing of texts, such as messaging services or cellular operators, and will also prevent government surveillance of user communications.