GSMA Introduces End-to-End Encryption for Cross-Platform RCS Messaging

The GSM Association (GSMA) has officially announced support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in Rich Communications Services (RCS), enhancing security for messages exchanged between Android and iOS users.

A Major Step Toward Secure Cross-Platform Messaging

The updated RCS Universal Profile 3.0 incorporates E2EE using the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, ensuring that messages and shared content remain confidential and protected as they travel between different devices and platforms.

"This marks the first time a large-scale messaging service will support interoperable E2EE across different client implementations," said Tom Van Pelt, GSMA Technical Director.

Google’s Role and Apple's RCS Adoption

Until now, Google’s RCS implementation in its Messages app for Android relied on the Signal protocol for encryption, but it was limited to Google Messages users and did not secure messages exchanged with iOS users or other RCS clients.

The GSMA’s move follows Apple’s decision to adopt RCS in iOS 18, aiming to improve messaging between Android and iPhone users. Google has also committed to integrating MLS into its Messages service and open-source implementation of RCS.

Enhanced Messaging Features Across Platforms

Beyond security, RCS continues to enhance messaging experiences across platforms by enabling:
✅ Group messaging
✅ High-resolution media sharing
✅ Read receipts and typing indicators

Google Welcomes the Encryption Upgrade

A Google spokesperson reaffirmed the company’s dedication to secure messaging, stating:
"We've always been committed to providing a secure messaging experience. Google Messages users have had end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS messaging for years. We’re excited to implement and extend this important protection to cross-platform RCS messaging."

With this E2EE upgrade, RCS is set to become a safer and more reliable alternative to traditional SMS, bridging the security gap between Android and iOS messaging.