Over the past few years, Google has been pushing to make RCS the new standard for messaging. And for that to happen, Apple needed to adopt RCS for iPhones. A few months ago, Apple adopted RCS with iOS 18. However, RCS messaging between Android and iPhones wasn't as secure as it should be.

Finally, RCS messaging between Android and iPhone will be secure with end-to-end encryption.

The GSM Association, which oversees the development of RCS, has published a new specification of RCS (Universal Profile 3.0) that allows end-to-end encryption to work across platforms. It means RCS messages sent and received between Android phones and iPhones will be end-to-end encrypted.

End-to-end encryption is a security system that prevents third parties, such as messaging app developers and network carriers, from viewing the contents of your messages. Earlier, RCS messages between Galaxy (or any other Android) phones and tablets were end-to-end encrypted, but through a custom implementation by Google.

Cross-platform end-to-end encryption on RCS comes through the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. The implementation of this protocol started in September 2024. The GSMA worked with “mobile operators, device manufacturers, and technology providers,” to bring MLS implementation to the RCS platform. Apple said it helped RCS bring iMessage-like security to RCS.

So, when will RCS end-to-end encryption come to Android and iPhones? On this matter, Apple said, “We will add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in future software updates.“

Google spokesperson Ed Fernandez told The Verge, “We’re excited to have this updated specification from GSMA and work as quickly as possible with the mobile ecosystem to implement and extend this important user protection to cross-platform RCS messaging.“

Apple has been too slow in rolling out RCS support in the default messaging app on iPhones, as it has been handpicking network carriers for RCS support. RCS is active on iPhones on very few carriers around the world, and Apple needs to pace up the rollout to other network carriers.

Image Credits: Apple