iPhone RCS Messaging Now Encrypted End-to-End: A Major Security Upgrade

Apple's iOS 18 finally brought RCS messaging to iPhones, ending the era of frustrating "green bubble" texts. Now, a significant security enhancement is on the horizon: end-to-end encryption.

The GSMA (GSM Association) has announced that the latest RCS standard, Universal Profile 3.0, incorporates end-to-end encryption. While Google Messages has offered this for some time, it was a Google-specific implementation. Apple's previous RCS support lacked this crucial security feature.

Previously, RCS messages between iPhones and Android devices were transmitted in plain text, mirroring the insecurity of SMS. While RCS offered modern features like high-quality media sharing and read receipts, its security was no better than SMS. The updated RCS spec changes this. Apple, having already implemented end-to-end encryption in iMessage, will now extend this protection to RCS.

Related: Why RCS Matters for iPhone and Android Users

RCS messaging's arrival on iPhone allows for a more consistent messaging experience across platforms.

The new Universal Profile 3.0 uses the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol for end-to-end encryption. This ensures interoperability, unlike previous encryption methods tied to the Google Messages app. This platform-level encryption benefits all RCS-enabled devices, not just iPhones and Androids. It could significantly improve security for users of other messaging apps and even feature phones currently relying on insecure SMS.

Apple has confirmed its commitment to implementing this update across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS via future software updates. This suggests a timely rollout, unlike previous instances of slow feature adoption. While the initial RCS adoption was challenging, adding encryption features may prove less difficult.

The exact timeline for end-to-end encryption on iPhones remains unclear. A possible release window is iOS 19 later this year, or perhaps a minor iOS 18 update. However, as WWDC approaches and iOS 19 betas emerge, Apple's focus may shift, making a minor iOS 18 update less likely.

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