Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging is making headlines as a revolutionary step forward in mobile communication, particularly for connecting Apple and Android devices.
Introduced to Apple users with the rollout of iOS 18 earlier this year, RCS aims to offer a more dynamic messaging experience, reported NBC 5 DFW. While its features rival popular apps like WhatsApp, its adoption has raised concerns about user security and privacy.
As major telecom providers prepare for changes in 2025, here’s what you need to know about RCS messaging.
RCS is a modern upgrade to traditional SMS, offering advanced features such as high-resolution photo sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts. Unlike SMS, RCS enables users to send multimedia content seamlessly, making communication between Android and Apple users more fluid. Messages sent via RCS are displayed in green bubbles on iPhones, distinguishing them from the blue bubbles of Apple’s iMessage. This cross-platform capability represents a long-awaited breakthrough, addressing years of tension between Apple and Google.
RCS bridges the gap between platforms with functionality that resembles popular messaging apps.
Users can send videos, share files, and view when others are typing in real-time. It also supports delivery confirmations and read receipts, features once reserved for proprietary platforms like iMessage. Google, the developer behind Android, has long advocated for RCS, urging Apple to adopt the standard. With iOS 18’s implementation of RCS, users on both sides can enjoy a smoother and more connected messaging experience.
While RCS offers impressive functionality, it falls short on security.
Unlike iMessage or apps like Signal and WhatsApp, RCS messages are not end-to-end encrypted. This vulnerability exposes communications to potential interception by third parties, raising privacy concerns. The issue is particularly troubling in light of recent cybersecurity threats, such as the Salt Typhoon hacking campaign, reported The Dallas Express.
Apple acknowledges that RCS is a “carrier-provided service,” meaning sensitive user data, including IP addresses and device identifiers, may be shared through telecom networks.
The lack of encryption in RCS is a significant drawback for users concerned about security. Encrypted platforms like WhatsApp and Signal remain the safest options for private communication. On Apple devices, iMessage ensures encrypted communication between users within the ecosystem, while Android’s Messages app offers similar protection for Android-to-Android messaging. However, messages exchanged between Apple and Android devices using RCS are susceptible to security breaches, leaving many questioning the protocol’s readiness for widespread adoption.
Setting up RCS is relatively straightforward.
For Apple users, an iPhone running iOS 18 and a carrier that supports RCS are necessary. Users can navigate to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging to enable the feature. Android users can activate RCS by opening the Google Messages app, tapping their profile icon, and toggling on RCS chats under settings. While the technology is user-friendly, individuals should weigh the potential risks against its convenience.