Google working on bringing RCS encryption to iPhones, Android phones

Apple released iOS 18 earlier this week with support for Rich Communication Services or RCS. This update will increase interoperability between various messaging apps such as Google Messages and Apple's iMessages as users will see various indicators including read receipts and typing indicators. In addition to this, users will be able to share files and high-resolution images across apps. As iOS 18 download gains pace, Google has announced that it is working towards bringing end-to-end encryption to RCS messages across platforms.

In a post on LinkedIn, Elmar Weber, who is a Product Manager at Google, announced that the company is working with the broader ecosystem to bring cross-platform E2EE to RCS chats as "soon as possible".

"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," he wrote in his post.

It is worth noting that his post comes a day after GSMA, the global body that represents mobile operators said that the next step in the journey of RCS would be bringing encryption to RCS chats.

"The next major milestone is for the RCS Universal Profile to add important user protections such as interoperable end-to-end encryption...Users will benefit from stronger protections from scam, fraud, and other security threats," GSMA Technical Director, Tom Van Pelt, said in a statement.

Interestingly, the development comes almost a year after Apple announced that it would bring support for RCS to its iMessage app and that it would work with GSMA members on ways to improve the RCS protocol. As per reports, the company had stressed on improving security and encryption of RCS messages.