Apple Introduces RCS Support in iOS 18, Google To Work on RCS Encryption Between Android and iPhone

• Apple has added RCS support in iOS 18.
• It will enhance media transfer and group chats between iPhone and Android users.
• Google is working on end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS between Apple and Android devices.

With the iOS 18 update, Apple has rolled out support for RCS in a massive push to iPhone-Android messaging. The RCS feature in the Messages App will now help in better media transfer and more reliable group chats than SMS and MMS when Apple users message non-Apple devices.

 A recent report suggests Google is already moving ahead and working on RCS encryption between Apple and Android devices.

Revealing details, the GSMA body said, “next major milestone is for the RCS Universal Profile to add important user protections such as interoperable end-to-end encryption.”

“This will be the first deployment of standardized, interoperable messaging encryption between different computing platforms, addressing significant technical challenges such as key federation and cryptographically-enforced group membership. Additionally, users will benefit from stronger protections from scams, fraud, and other security threats,” GSMA further added.

The Google Messages app provides its own E2E encryption on Android currently. It supports RCS 1:1 and group conversations.

However, the support does not extend to iPhone chats.

Google also disclosed its plans saying that it’s “working with the broader ecosystem to bring cross-platform E2EE to RCS chats as soon as possible.”

“We’re proud to have offered end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in Google Messages with RCS since 2020. 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,” Google added.

Rich Communications Services (RCS) is a messaging service that provides an enhanced experience than the usual SMS/MMSs. It supports many features such as typing indicators with delivery and read receipts that can be turned off if needed.

RCS also supports higher resolution media (photos + videos) transfers and Wi-Fi messaging instead of the carrier’s cellular network.

If you are an iPhone user, all you have to do is update to iOS 18 if your iPhone is eligible. The RCS Messaging toggle is most likely enabled by default. You can check from Settings > Apps > Messages.

Once enabled, conversations will automatically be upgraded from SMS to RCS.

FAQs

Q1. What is RCS on iPhones with iOS 18?

Answer. Rich Communications Services (RCS) is a messaging service that enhances the SMS/MMS experience. With the iOS 18 update, Apple has introduced RCS support in the Messages app. It allows for better media transfer and more reliable group chats when messaging non-Apple devices.

Q2. How can iPhone users enable RCS messaging on iOS 18?

Answer. To enable RCS messaging on an iPhone running iOS 18, users need to ensure their device is updated to iOS 18. The RCS Messaging toggle is likely enabled by default, but users can check by going to Settings > Apps > Messages. Once enabled, conversations will automatically be upgraded from SMS to RCS.

Q3. Is there RCS encryption between Apple and Android devices?

Answer. No, not at the moment but Google has confirmed that is working on implementing RCS encryption between Apple and Android devices. The GSMA body has stated that the next major milestone is to add interoperable end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to the RCS Universal Profile.

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