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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.
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