Google is taking significant strides toward making its Rich Communication Services (RCS) more secure and versatile, with new plans to extend cross-platform end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to chats between Android and iPhone users. RCS, the modern messaging standard championed by Google, offers advanced features like message reactions, typing indicators, and encryption for over a billion users on Google Messages. This move could mark a new era in seamless and secure messaging across different platforms, bringing Apple and Android users closer in communication.
RCS Expands to iPhone with iOS 18
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple has started rolling out support for RCS on iPhones. Although Apple’s iMessage platform already dominates the iPhone ecosystem, many users are expected to adopt Google Messages, especially with the cross-platform functionalities that RCS offers. The modern messaging standard RCS is viewed by many as the successor to SMS, bringing a richer and more interactive messaging experience. Despite these advancements, end-to-end encryption in cross-platform messaging between Android and iPhone users has remained a challenge—until now.
Google’s Push for Cross-Platform Encryption
Google is reportedly working hard to close the gap in security by offering end-to-end encryption for RCS chats between Android and iPhone users. While Google Messages already supports E2EE for 1:1 and group chats among Android devices, encryption for conversations involving iPhones is not yet in place. In a report by 9to5Google, Google confirmed that it is actively collaborating with various industry stakeholders to enable this security feature as soon as possible.
“We’re proud to have offered end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in Google Messages with RCS since 2020,” said Elmer Weber, General Manager at Google, in a LinkedIn post. “We believe that E2EE is a critical component of secure messaging, and we have been working with the broader ecosystem to bring cross-platform E2EE to RCS chats as soon as possible. Google is committed to providing a secure and private messaging experience for users, and we remain dedicated to making E2EE standard for all RCS users regardless of the platform.”
Cross-Platform Collaboration with Apple
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Google’s move toward cross-platform encryption follows Apple’s announcement that it would collaborate with GSMA members to support RCS. Last year, Google announced plans to adopt the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol for interoperable end-to-end encryption, a crucial step in making secure communication possible across different platforms. Apple’s willingness to integrate encryption into the RCS standard marks a shift from the company’s previous stance, as it primarily focused on its proprietary iMessage platform for encrypted messaging.
New Features in RCS Universal Profile 2.7
In addition to encryption, the recently finalized RCS Universal Profile 2.7 brings several new features to enhance user experience. These include the ability to send and receive replies, react to messages (including custom reactions), and edit or recall previously sent messages. This not only adds more functionality but also aligns RCS with the user experience offered by Apple’s iMessage.
Google’s exploration of cross-platform E2EE in RCS chats is a significant step in bridging the gap between Android and iPhone messaging experiences. As encryption becomes increasingly important to users, the move to make E2EE standard across all RCS users demonstrates Google’s commitment to security and privacy. With support from Apple and GSMA members, this collaboration could make encrypted messaging accessible and interoperable across the world’s most widely used mobile platforms, bringing convenience and peace of mind to billions of users.
