Apple has announced its collaboration with the GSM Association to incorporate support for the newly released RCS Universal Profile specification, which now includes end-to-end encryption for messages transmitted via this protocol. This update significantly enhances the security standards of RCS, making it more comparable to iMessage.
The newly introduced encryption standard was made available today, but the timeline for when this feature will be rolled out to users remains uncertain. Apple mentioned that it played a pivotal role in a cross-industry initiative aimed at implementing end-to-end encryption within the RCS Universal Profile.
RCS support was first introduced for iPhones with iOS 18.1 last fall. This technology facilitates richer communication experiences when interacting with Android users not utilizing iMessage, replacing traditional SMS messaging.
Features inherent to RCS include typing indicators, emoji responses, read receipts, and support for sharing high-resolution photos and videos.
Prior to today, the RCS Universal Profile did not include provisions for end-to-end encryption for messages sent via this standard. With the addition of this capability, Apple is now committed to its integration.
In a statement to DMN, Apple remarked:
End-to-end encryption is a crucial privacy and security feature that iMessage has embraced from its inception, and we are excited to have played a leading role in the cross-industry effort to add end-to-end encryption to the RCS Universal Profile established by the GSMA. We plan to incorporate support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in upcoming software updates.
It’s reassuring to see Apple promptly commit to supporting such a vital progression in RCS standards, thereby enhancing the security of communications for all its users.
