iPhone And Android Users Will Soon Have The Ability To Send End-To-End Encrypted RCS Messages, Bringing The Security Offering Closer To iMessage – Wccftech
For years, there has been debate regarding the lack of support for iPhone users messaging Android users, and this was finally addressed with iOS 18, where Apple introduced RCS support in order to make communication between iPhone and Android devices smoother, a long-awaited update. Although iMessage is end-to-end encrypted, this was a major missing feature from the Rich Communication Services, which lacked the same level of security and end-to-end encryption. While the introduction of the service did mark a huge leap, the lack of secure cross-platform messaging made many users hesitant. This is set to change as iPhone and Android users will soon be able to exchange RCS messages with greater privacy.When Apple introduced the RCS messaging standard, many Android users were delighted with the enhanced cross-platform messaging, but the lack of security was a big flaw as the service was not end-to-end encrypted. Now, the GSM Association has confirmed that this will no longer be a point of concern as the latest RCS standard includes end-to-end encryption using the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. This marks the first time secure messaging will be enabled across multiple platforms.Apple also took the chance to announce via 9to5Mac that it would adopt the new RCS standard that would enhance security and bring the level of protection closer to the offering of iMessage. The Cupertino-based tech giant shared:End-to-end encryption is a powerful privacy and security technology that iMessage has supported since the beginning, and now we are pleased to have helped lead a cross industry effort to bring end-to-end encryption to the RCS Universal Profile published by the GSMA. We will add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in future software updates.Apple extended the RCS support to the iPhone with the release of iOS 18.1 last year, which was meant to improve the messaging experience with Android users as SMS is a dated form of communication and lacks many of the messaging features that are available with RCS. Capabilities that come with Rich Communication Service include typing indicators, reading receipts, emoji reactions, and the ability to exchange photos and videos more seamlessly in cross-platform conversations.The only thing lacking was end-to-end encryption, which is officially part of the new RCS standard. Apple quickly jumped on the bandwagon and is committed to adopting it, which would massively make messaging safer for all users. With this being introduced, your device would be prevented from being accessed, and the conversations would be given an added layer of security.Some posts on wccftech.com may contain affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC
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