Since the iOS 18 update, iPhones have supported the RCS protocol, a technology intended to succeed SMS and which allows access to advanced messaging features, comparable to those found on third-party applications like WhatsApp . As Android also supports RCS, this technology allows you to exchange text messages between iPhone and Android devices without using SMS or third-party messaging applications.
Samsung points to a problem
However, although Apple supports RCS, its implementation of this technology is different from Android devices. As a result, there are RCS features that are available on Android devices, but are not available on iPhone. And among these features unavailable on the iPhone, there is unfortunately end-to-end encryption.
When exchanging RCS text messages, the discussions are end-to-end encrypted, like on WhatsApp. This encryption, when available, is symbolized by a small padlock placed under the Send button in the Google Messages application. But this encryption is not available for chats between iPhone and Android devices, as Samsung recently reminded.
Recently, the Korean giant published a press release which presents the advantages of RCS, already available on its products. And in a footnote, Samsung writes: “Encryption is only available for Android-to-Android communications.”
A situation that could evolve
The good news is that Apple may later add end-to-end encryption to its implementation of RCS technology. As a reminder, the RCS is a protocol of the GSMA, an organization which represents telecommunications players. And the official protocol, which was adopted by Apple, does not yet include end-to-end encryption. On Android, this is a feature that Google developed to improve its messaging. But in July, our colleagues at Android Authority discovered clues suggesting that end-to-end encryption could later become part of the official protocol.
In any case, the GSMA is already working on improving its protocol, in order to promote better interoperability between the different devices and applications that use RCS. In July, for example, it presented a new version of the technology which brings new functionalities. “Compared to their previous version(s), they provide support for more engaging messaging experiences, such as message reactions and user editing a message they have sent previously”, the association indicated in a press release.
RCS on iPhone remains a positive development
In any case, even if RCS on iPhone do not have the same level of security as those between Android devices, the adoption of the standard by Apple is already good news for the rest of the industry. “Now that the latest version of iOS supports RCS, the benefits are available beyond the Android ecosystem when sending messages across platforms. This broader adoption brings the industry closer to a universal, seamless messaging experience, improving the way users connect around the world.”Samsung said.
- Since the iOS 18 update, the iPhone supports the RCS protocol which allows interoperability with Android texting, without using SMS
- But as Samsung recently reminded us, RCS texting between Android and iPhone is less secure than texting between Android
- It is nevertheless possible that end-to-end encryption will arrive on RCS on iPhone, later
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