The iPhone’s RCS will have end-to-end encryption in an upcoming update

Apple has announced a major security upgrade for RCS messages on iPhones, committing to integrating end-to-end encryption in a future software update. This enhancement brings RCS messaging closer to iMessage in terms of privacy and security, marking a significant step for cross-platform communication.

Apple commits to securing RCS with end-to-end encryption

Apple revealed that it played a leading role in developing encryption for the RCS Universal Profile in collaboration with the GSM Association. While RCS already offers features like typing indicators, read receipts, and high-resolution media sharing, its lack of encryption was a major drawback. Until now, messages sent through RCS could potentially be intercepted, creating privacy concerns.

With this upcoming update, RCS messages on iPhones will be encrypted from end to end, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read the content. Unlike traditional SMS and MMS, which lack any form of encryption, this new implementation means that no third party—including Apple, mobile carriers, or hackers—will be able to access or decrypt these conversations.

Apple’s decision to adopt RCS encryption aligns with its long-standing focus on user privacy. The company emphasized that iMessage has offered end-to-end encryption since its inception, and extending this level of protection to RCS further strengthens security for users communicating with Android devices. However, Apple has not yet specified when this feature will roll out, stating only that it will arrive in a future software update.

As Apple continues refining its RCS integration, this move represents a major leap forward for secure messaging, making cross-platform conversations more private and reliable.