Apple Supports RCS on iPhone: A New Era for iOS and Android Messaging

Yesterday, Apple officially released iOS 18, introducing a notable feature: support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) on iPhones. This marks a significant step in improving communication between iPhone and Android users, especially those using RCS.

Now, users can exchange high-quality messages, videos, and images, receive read receipts, and see typing indicators when messaging via RCS. However, one crucial feature is still missing from this release: end-to-end encryption (E2EE).

Although Apple has integrated RCS support through Universal Profile—a standard that does not include end-to-end encryption like the version of RCS used by Google—experts believe that E2EE will be added soon. GSMA, the organization representing global mobile network operators, stated that the next step for Universal Profile is to integrate end-to-end encryption to secure messages across different platforms, from iOS to Android and vice versa. Google has also emphasized that it is working to bring cross-platform E2EE to RCS chats as soon as possible.

The Future of Cross-Platform End-to-End Encryption

Google Messages on Android already supports E2EE for one-on-one RCS chats and group chats that do not include iPhone users. With RCS Universal Profile, Google and Apple are getting closer to building a standardized messaging system that can interoperate between platforms. GSMA shared: "This will be the first time messaging encryption is standardized and interoperable across platforms, addressing key technical challenges such as key linking and cryptographic group membership."

Additionally, users will be better protected against security threats like phishing and fraud, which both Google and Apple see as a priority in today's increasingly complex digital landscape.

New RCS Features

Beyond just supporting RCS, Apple has committed to working with GSMA members to bring encryption to RCS Universal Profile soon. Google has also expressed its desire for Apple to add more features like media reactions and direct replies in group chats. In the RCS Universal Profile 2.7 update, released in June, two new features were added: Reply and React (including custom reactions), as well as the ability to Edit, Retract, and Delete sent messages, enhancing the messaging experience across different platforms.

Google and the Vision for a "New Era" of Messaging

Google launched a new website proclaiming that "A new era of texting has begun," highlighting that Apple’s adoption of RCS will make the messaging experience between iPhone and Android more seamless. "Apple has started #GetTheMessage by integrating RCS, which will greatly improve messaging between iOS and Android devices," Google stated.

Google also proudly pointed out that it has provided end-to-end encryption in Google Messages since 2020 and remains committed to making E2EE a standard for all RCS users, regardless of their platform. "We believe E2EE is a crucial part of securing messages and are working with partners to bring cross-platform end-to-end encryption to RCS soon."

Reconciliation Between iPhone and Android

One of the key benefits of RCS support is reducing the friction between iPhone and Android users. In the past, Android users were often seen as "disrupting" iMessage group chats due to missing features and differences in message bubble colors. Google humorously commented: "Cheers to green and blue bubbles becoming friends."

With RCS support, cross-platform messaging will become easier, and users will be able to enjoy features like sharing high-quality photos and videos, typing indicators, and read receipts, regardless of whether they are using iMessage or Google Messages.

In the end, perhaps we can finally achieve "peace" in the messaging world between iPhone and Android.