RCS Update Coming to iOS 18, But Security Concerns Remain
In the midst of speculation surrounding Apple’s upcoming announcements at WWDC, one major change coming with iOS 18 is the introduction of RCS to iMessage. While this will bring improved functionality, there is a significant security issue that has yet to be addressed.
RCS, the successor to SMS and the default protocol on Google Messages, will not replace iMessage on iPhones. Instead, it will run alongside iMessage, with green bubbles remaining green but now utilizing RCS technology.
Unlike on Android, where RCS is end-to-end encrypted, RCS on iPhone will not have the same level of security. Google’s encryption layer is proprietary, and there has been no indication of collaboration between Apple and Google to implement similar encryption for iMessage and Google Messages.
Interestingly, RCS has been available on iPhones for years through Japan’s +Message app, which has not been able to compete with Line, the leading messaging platform in Japan. Despite carrier support, +Message has not gained significant traction, especially when compared to Line’s fully encrypted messaging service.
As Apple prepares to integrate RCS into iMessage, it remains to be seen how this will impact the messaging landscape. Google has recently announced new features for RCS, including the ability to text 911 for emergency services, a feature that Apple already offers for iMessage users.
While RCS offers a more advanced messaging platform than SMS, it may not be enough to sway users from their current secure messaging apps. The upcoming iOS 18 update will bring improvements to iMessage, but it is unlikely to disrupt the dominance of established messaging platforms.
