Encrypted RCS Coming to iOS and Android: A Major Breakthrough for Cross-Platform Communication

The wait is finally over for those who have been waiting for secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging between Android and iOS devices. According to the GSMA, Apple and Google are preparing to roll out encrypted RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging, which will address one of the biggest issues with cross-platform communication.

RCS is the successor to SMS, offering modern features like read receipts, high-quality media, group management, file sharing, encryption, and more. While RCS has been growing in popularity in the Android ecosystem, Apple only recently adopted RCS as a replacement for SMS when communicating between iOS and Android. However, cross-platform communication has lacked end-to-end encryption (E2EE), although Apple and Google have been working to overcome that hurdle.

The GSMA has announced new specifications for RCS that include end-to-end encryption based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. These new procedures ensure that messages and other content such as files remain confidential and secure as they travel between clients, providing users with the highest level of privacy and security.

A Major Step Forward for Secure Communication

According to GSMA Technical Director Tom Van Pelt, "The availability of new GSMA specifications for RCS that include end-to-end encryption based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol is a significant milestone in our efforts to provide secure communication." He also notes that these new specifications define how to apply MLS within the context of RCS, ensuring that messages and other content remain confidential and secure as they travel between clients.

Apple's Commitment to Secure Communication

Apple spokesperson Shane Bauer stated that "End-to-end encryption is a powerful privacy and security technology that iMessage has supported since the beginning, and now we are pleased to have helped lead a cross industry effort to bring end-to-end encryption to the RCS Universal Profile published by the GSMA." He also confirmed that Apple will add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in future software updates.

Why Encrypted Communication Matters

The importance of encrypted communication was underscored by the recent hack of U.S. telecoms by the Beijing-backed Salt Typhoon group. In the wake of that attack, the FBI and CISA recommended people use encrypted communication platforms. According to Jeff Greene, an executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA, "Even if the adversary is able to intercept the data, if it is encrypted, it will make it impossible."

A New Era for Cross-Platform Communication

While WhatsApp is the default method of communication in many regions around the world—and offers E2EE—iMessage and text messages are still the default in the U.S. As a result, cross-platform RCS encryption is an important step toward securing individuals' communication. With this new development, users will be able to enjoy secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging across different platforms, giving them greater peace of mind when communicating with others.