In the near future, iPhone and Android users will be able to send end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) messages to each other, providing better security when communicating between platforms.
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| iPhone and Android users will soon be able to send encrypted messages to each other |
The GSM Association has just announced a new RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard, including E2EE based on the MLS security protocol, allowing for the first time the exchange of encrypted messages between platforms of different service providers.
RCS is an upgraded messaging protocol for Android, supporting HD photo sending, video calling and location sharing, helping to narrow the gap with other platforms. Notably, when messaging between Android and iOS users, similar emojis are displayed when doing the same platform as iMessage.
The GSMA said it will begin exploring enabling E2EE between iPhones and Android devices from September 2024. E2EE is a security and privacy feature that prevents third parties — such as messaging providers or carriers — from viewing the content of messages. The GSMA said the new RCS standard was developed in collaboration with mobile operators, device manufacturers, and technology vendors, including Apple.
End-to-end encryption will be supported in iMessage from the get-go, according to an Apple spokesperson. The company will support end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS in future software updates.
While its proprietary iMessage service already supports E2EE, it hasn't yet applied to RCS messages because the RCS standard previously lacked cross-platform support. Google Messages also enables E2EE by default for RCS messages, but only between Android users, not iMessage users or users of other RCS apps on Android.
A Google spokesperson said the company remains committed to providing a secure messaging experience, and the search giant will work as quickly as possible to adopt the new RCS standard across its mobile ecosystem.
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