iOS 18 Enhances Google RCS with E2EE Encryption Support
iOS 18 Update Brings Support for RCS Messaging
Apple's iOS 18, released for eligible iPhone models, now features rich communication services (RCS) on select networks. This brings chat functionalities like typing indicators, read receipts, and high-quality media sharing to users communicating across platforms. However, the security of these communications remains in focus as Google works to add crucial end-to-end encryption (E2EE) support for RCS.
Google and GSMA Collaboration for E2EE
Google aims to integrate cross-platform E2EE for RCS messaging, ensuring secure chats between iOS and Android devices. Elmar Weber, General Manager for Android & Business Communication Products, highlighted Google’s commitment to collaborating with the GSM Association (GSMA) and Apple.
- Current RCS Limitations: The GSMA’s RCS Universal Profile specification currently lacks E2EE support, allowing network providers to access chat contents.
- Existing E2EE Features: Google introduced encrypted chat for individual messages four years prior, with group chat encryption arriving in 2023.
Apple's Position on RCS Security
While Apple now supports RCS through iOS 18, it previously indicated reluctance to adopt proprietary E2EE methods, choosing to collaborate with GSMA for enhancing RCS security protocols.
- Only 25 carriers across the US and Canada currently support RCS.
- Global RCS adoption remains limited as various regions await implementation.
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