Emir BardakçıThere’s wonderful news for smartphone messaging with the soon to be available possibility to send fully encrypted messages to iPhone users by users of Xiaomi through the RCS message protocol. This comes about due to the new standard by GSMA that enables the first-ever cross-platform encrypted exchange of messages for iOS and Android devices. This is wonderful news for the future of mobile communication with this step placing the promise of user privacy at the center while making the messaging experience across platforms even smoother. This alliance brings an end to the long-standing encryption gap between blue and green message bubbles.
New RCS Encryption Standard
The latest version of the RCS specification introduces several crucial improvements to cross-platform messaging:
- End-to-end encryption (E2EE) based on the Message Layer Security (MLS) protocol
- Early support for encrypted communication across platforms Prevention of third-party access to message content, such as by the service provider
- Collaborative development by device manufacturers, mobile operators, and technology companies like Apple
This new standard is the result of efforts that began in September 2023 when GSMA started pushing for the support for E2EE on both Android and iPhone devices. Security measures ensure that your conversations remain secure, whether you’re on a device by Xiaomi or communicating with an iPhone user.
Implementation Timeline
While Apple included initial RCS support in iOS 18, the feature does not yet support cross-platform encryption. This new standard addresses this gap, providing several benefits to users on Xiaomi devices:
- Greater privacy when communicating with iPhone users
- Improved message security across platforms
- Seamless encryption experience regardless of the recipient’s device
- Compatibility with future updates to Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS
Apple confirmed its support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages in future releases but did not specify the release date. This aligns with the moves by other manufacturers to have default E2EE for RCS texts, like Google’s in 2023.
Advantages to Users of Xiaomi
For users with Xiaomi phones, this update enhances the experience when communicating with friends and loved ones who have iPhones. Your messages will be equally secured by privacy whether the recipient is on any device ecosystem, so that your conversations are safe and personal.
This cross-platform encryption feature also boosts the position of the brand as one that prioritizes privacy and security for its customers, and improves the interoperability across different smartphone ecosystems.
Source: The Verge
