Apple to Introduce End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messaging

The updated RCS standard will enable secure messaging between iPhone and Android users, addressing long-standing privacy concerns.

Apple has announced plans to add end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages in future updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS.
The GSM Association (GSMA) unveiled a new RCS Universal Profile 3.0 specification, incorporating E2EE using the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol.
This marks the first time interoperable E2EE will be available across messaging platforms, enhancing privacy for messages exchanged between iPhone and Android users.
The update follows Apple’s adoption of RCS last year, which improved messaging features like high-resolution media sharing and read receipts but initially lacked encryption for cross-platform communication.
While Apple did not specify a release date, the feature is expected to roll out later this year, potentially coinciding with the launch of iOS 19.