The GSM Association (GSMA) has announced new specifications for RCS, integrating end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to secure messages between Android and iOS platforms. This move utilizes the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, marking RCS as the first large-scale messaging service to offer interoperable E2EE across different platforms. The update enhances privacy by ensuring that messages, files, and media are securely encrypted during transmission.
RCS Universal Profile 3.0 introduces several improvements, such as better audio messaging codecs, business subscription management, and seamless deep link formatting for richer interactions.
With this upgrade, RCS continues to offer essential features like group messaging, media sharing, and read receipts while keeping security a priority.
Google’s Messages app already supports E2EE for Android users, and Apple is set to implement it within iOS 18, creating a unified secure messaging experience across platforms.
The GSMA highlights that this development is a significant step in ensuring user privacy without compromising the functionality and versatility of RCS.
Industry collaboration has played a crucial role in advancing these specifications. GSMA’s Tom Van Pelt emphasized the importance of the privacy-focused updates, noting that the integration of E2EE strengthens user trust in RCS. This move underscores the growing importance of secure messaging as mobile communication continues to evolve globally.
