After Apple released the iOS 18 update to the general public, iPhone users can now officially communicate using RCS messages with Android users. The GSM Association (GSMA), as a telecommunications consortium, announced their push for end-to-end encrypted RCS communication in the next phase. This encryption method enhances security and privacy by encoding messages across platforms. GSMA will collaborate with relevant industry stakeholders moving forward.
Google, a major advocate for RCS, has been supporting end-to-end encryption for RCS messages since 2020 with Google Messages (rolled out to the public in 2022). They are also promoting cross-platform E2EE messaging. Last year, Google revealed their plan to utilize the Message Layer Security (MLS) protocol for cross-platform E2EE encryption.
TLDR: Apple’s iOS 18 update enables iPhones to send RCS messages to Android, with GSMA pushing for end-to-end encryption. Google has already implemented E2EE for RCS in Google Messages and is working towards cross-platform E2EE communication using the MLS protocol.
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