Since the launch of RCS on iOS 18, iPhone users have been able to join the Android party for cross-platform messaging. However, one crucial element has been missing from this experience – end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Fortunately, the GSMA has announced that Universal Profile 3.0 specifications now include E2EE for RCS, allowing for encrypted messages between iOS and Android devices.
While this is a significant development for security and privacy advocates, it does not mean that messages between Android and iPhone devices are encrypted yet. This announcement serves as a heads up for the upcoming changes, with Apple and Google both confirming their readiness to implement these new standards. Apple plans to include E2EE in the next version of iOS, while Google is committed to ensuring a secure messaging experience across platforms.
Exciting times ahead for cross-platform messaging security.