Cross-platform encrypted messaging for iPhone and Android

A major update in mobile messaging is on the way. Users of both iPhone and Android will soon be able to send secure, encrypted messages to each other. This change comes from new standards released by the GSM Association for Rich Communication Services (RCS). The updated RCS now includes end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and receiver of a message can read it. Mobile carriers and app companies will not have access to these messages. The GSMA worked with various groups, including mobile carriers and tech firms like Apple, to develop this new standard. GSMA's Technical Director, Tom Van Pelt, expressed excitement about this breakthrough. He noted that RCS will be the first large service to support encrypted messaging that works across different platforms. This measure will help protect users from scams and other online threats. Apple has supported end-to-end encryption in its iMessage service for years. A spokesperson shared that Apple is pleased to be part of this industry effort to enhance privacy in RCS messaging. They plan to add support for encrypted RCS messages across their devices in future software updates. Google also welcomed the new specifications. Google Messages has offered end-to-end encryption for its users, but prior to this update, it only worked when both users were on Google Messages. Now, cross-platform messaging will be more secure. Apple introduced RCS support with its iOS 18 update. While iMessage has always been secure, the previous RCS standards did not support encryption between different platforms. The new RCS standard aims to resolve this and enhance privacy for all users. No specific date has been provided for when these improvements will be available. However, once rolled out, it promises to significantly upgrade messaging privacy for both iPhone and Android users.