Universal Encryption Quest for RCS Between Android and iPhone
RCS messaging between Android and iPhone is now a permanent feature. However, significant security concerns cast a shadow over this technological advancement.
Messaging Revolution on iOS 18
The release of Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 18, introduced several new features, including a significant advancement for messaging users: RCS support. Now, your iPhone can send high-quality photos and videos, display typing indicators, and include read receipts—features previously unavailable in iPhone-to-Android messaging.
A Giant Collaboration for Universal RCS Adoption
However, the integration is not without flaws. This week, a press release from Samsung, highlighted by Android Authority, revealed how the Korean giant has worked with Google to “promote” the adoption of enhanced RCS messaging. Further details show how these companies have strived to make RCS a universal standard and what it practically offers.
Communication Security: Room for Improvement
The same release points out a well-known issue: communications between iPhone and Android are not as secure as those between Android devices. “All members of a chat must have RCS enabled. Requires Google Messages for Android users and iOS 18 or later for iPhone users,” Samsung’s post states. “Encryption is only available for Android-Android communications.”
For instance, an RCS conversation between a Pixel 9 and a Galaxy S24 will be encrypted, but this security does not extend to communications with an iPhone owner. Similarly, when two iPhone users message each other, they use iMessage, which is encrypted.
The Quest for Universal Encryption
The GSMA, the organization managing RCS, announced in September that it is working on integrating end-to-end encryption into the universal profile. No timeline was provided for this update, but the announcement highlights the current lack of encryption between iOS and Android devices. For increased security, turning to encrypted messaging applications is recommended.