- A new version of RCS is the way that allows encrypted messaging between iOS and Android
- Apple has previously never offered encrypted messages outside the iMessage standard
- This follows Apple’s adoption of non -encrypted RCs last year
A new message from the GSM Association confirms that Apple brings end-to-end encryption to RCS messages on iPhone for the first time, marking a major step for cross-platform communication.
Encrypted messages on iPhone were previously limited to Apple’s own iMessage standard, which is only available to Apple users and as such is only possible between two or more iPhones or other Apple devices.
Apple initially activated RCS on iPhone in 2024, after 17 years of forcing iPhone users to SMS other platforms over SMS, with a warning that an end-to-end encryption would not be an accessible feature.
Now, the GSM Association-the non-profit industry, which represents the world’s mobile network operators, confirms that a number of industrial partners, including Apple, have collaborated on a new RCS standard that supports end to end encryption across multiple platforms.
Apple spokesman Shane Bauer told The Verge: “We will add support to end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to iOS, iPados, MacOS and Watchos in future software updates.”
RCS, which stands for Rich Communication Services, has been the chosen standard for the Android phones for a few years now, but Apple has been slow to adopt the universally available communication protocol.
From the beginning of the iPhone in 2007 until last year, Apple only allowed iPhones to SMS other kinds of phones over SMS that offer no encryption and very limited options for sharing media.
End-to-end encryption, where messages appear only in deciphered form to senders and recipients, is an important point of sale for RCS and a proudly touted feature of other major messaging services such as WhatsApp.
My Take: A win for all
Like Techradar’s Mobile Computing -Sperson Writer, I see my reasonable proportion of Apple -Kynism, but after gaining my frustration over Apple for delaying the adoption of RCS for the most part Out of my system last year, I feel optimistic about this latest message.
As the iOS and Android ecosystems continue to diversify, it becomes increasingly clear that the duo in Apple and Google will not go away for any time soon, and with the best iPhones and the best Android phones, all offering top-flight performance and feature sets, it is likely that people in your life represent a mix of the two user bases.
This new version of RCS is a victory for everyone: Better communication over a secure channel without the need for third -party apps. I am particularly pleased that less technically knowledgeable users will be able to rely on Apple’s Standard app app to keep their texts and sent media secure.
I am also happy to see Apple show a little willingness to collaborate with his rival to the greater benefit of his user base. Apple continues to show itself as a company that really cares about users’ privacy – although we recently saw in the UK, it means fighting governments to reach its vision of data protection.
What do you think of this message? Is Apple on the right track, or is this too little, too late? Tell us that in the comments.
