Sundar Pichai Highlights Major Cross-Platform Messaging Upgrade<\/p>\n
On Monday, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced the milestone on X, writing, “Today, we’re starting to roll out end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between Android and iPhone users!”<\/p>\n
Sameer Samat, president of Android Ecosystem, called it a “big news” moment, saying the new system “replaces outdated SMS with a more secure & private way to chat, no matter what phone you have.”<\/p>\n
How End-To-End Encrypted RCS Between iPhone And Android Works<\/p>\n
With the update, messages exchanged between supported Android and iPhone devices are encrypted so that only the sender and recipient can read them.<\/p>\n
The system is based on the GSMA’s Universal Profile for RCS.<\/p>\n
Apple first introduced RCS support with iOS 18 in September 2024<\/a>, adding typing indicators, read receipts and improved media sharing.<\/p>\n The company pledged encrypted RCS support in 2025, with testing beginning earlier this year.<\/p>\n Carrier Support And Availability<\/p>\n Apple said the feature remains in beta and will roll out gradually over the coming months for both new and existing RCS conversations.<\/p>\n Users must enable RCS in device settings, though encryption is switched on by default where supported.<\/p>\n Price Action: In premarket trading on Tuesday, Apple shares slipped 0.10% to $292.38, while Alphabet Class A fell 0.52% to $386.62 and Alphabet Class C declined 0.62% to $384.38, according to Benzinga Pro.<\/p>\n According to Benzinga Edge Rankings, GOOG ranks in the 94th percentile for Quality, reflecting strong performance<\/a> across short, medium and long-term time frames.<\/p>\n Disclaimer:\u00a0This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<\/p>\n Photo courtesy: hanohiki on Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n