Google and GSMA working on E2EE for RCS between Android and iPhone

Yesterday, Apple started rolling out iOS 18 to iPhones. It brings support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), an upgraded version of SMS/MMS, and a feature that Android has been offering since 2019.  With that, now when iPhone and Android users message each other using the stock messaging app, they will be able to enjoy many additional features over SMS/MMS, including read receipts, typing indicators, message reactions, and higher-quality media. Unfortunately, there’s no end-to-end encryption (E2EE) between RCS on Android and iOS, which means the messaging experience isn't completely secure. Well, a fix for that is coming soon.

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), the authority governing RCS, has announced that it is working on E2EE for RCS between Android and iOS. In a press release, it said “This will be the first deployment of standardized, interoperable messaging encryption between different computing platforms, addressing significant technical challenges such as key federation and cryptographically-enforced group membership. Additionally, users will benefit from stronger protections from scam, fraud, and other security threats.”

The story continues after the video…

Google, too, has said that it is working on bringing cross-platform E2EE. Google’s General Manager for Android & Business Communication Products (ABC), said “We're proud to have offered end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in Google Messages with RCS since 2020. 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.”