Google and Apple have began rolling out end-to-end encrypted Wealthy Communication Companies (RCS) messaging for conversations between Android smartphones and iPhones, marking a serious improve for cross-platform messaging privateness.
Google introduced the rollout by way of a publish on its Key phrase weblog, stating that the function is now being launched in beta for Android customers working the most recent model of Google Messages and iPhone customers utilizing iOS 26.5 on supported carriers.
RCS is broadly seen because the successor to conventional SMS messaging, providing options equivalent to typing indicators, learn receipts, improved group chats and help for sharing higher-quality media recordsdata.
Till now, chats exchanged between Android and iPhone customers over RCS didn’t help end-to-end encryption. With the most recent replace, Google mentioned these conversations will now be encrypted by default, stopping messages from being learn whereas they’re transmitted between units.
Google mentioned Android customers will see the identical lock icon already used for encrypted RCS conversations in Google Messages. The corporate added that encryption help will progressively develop into accessible for each new and present RCS chats.
Google and Apple collaborated on encryption help
Google mentioned it labored with Apple and different gamers within the cellular trade to carry encryption help to the RCS normal. The corporate described the transfer as a part of a broader effort to enhance privateness and safety for cross-platform messaging.
Google Messages has supported end-to-end encrypted RCS chats between Android units for a number of years. The most recent rollout extends the identical safety to conversations involving iPhones.
Availability and supported units
The function is presently rolling out in beta. Android customers want the most recent model of Google Messages, whereas iPhone customers should replace to iOS 26.5 and use carriers that help the function.
Google mentioned encrypted RCS messaging will proceed increasing progressively over the approaching weeks as help reaches extra customers and units.
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