Privateness. That is iPhone.
Apple needs no a part of Google’s addition of finish to-end encryption to RCS, and the iPhone maker will as an alternative work with the requirements physique to mandate a common model as an alternative.
Apple shocked everybody on Thursday with a temporary announcement that RCS can be supported by its merchandise in 2024. Nonetheless, there’s extra to the story because it is not fairly the identical RCS Google Messages customers have come to know.
In keeping with a report from TechRadar, Apple will not undertake proprietary extensions just like the one made by Google that provides end-to-end encryption to RCS. As an alternative, Apple intends to work with the GSMA so as to add encryption to the RCS Common Profile.
Common Profile versus Google’s extension
The Common Profile for RCS is a broadly adopted customary used throughout a number of messaging apps and carriers. Google added end-to-end encryption to RCS for customers that talk solely by way of the Google Messages app.
Apple seemingly did not wish to elevate Google’s proprietary model of RCS and exclude different Common Profile customers. In addition to, if Apple is adopting RCS to forestall antitrust litigation, it is not going to decide on one more silo that might implicate the corporate.
The apparent path ahead is the one Apple is taking. By working with the GSMA and getting the Common Profile to assist end-to-end encryption, Apple ensures the widest attain of a secure and safe messaging platform slightly than limiting it to Google Messages customers.
Group chats with iMessage and RCS customers will profit most from Apple’s transfer. Excessive-quality pictures and video will be shared, however proprietary iMessage options like dropping stickers onto a chat bubble or reactions seemingly will not be interoperable.
Apple mentioned that RCS assist would arrive later in 2024. This seemingly means it is going to arrive as part of iOS 18 and the opposite fall releases.
There isn’t any identified timeline for the way lengthy it could be earlier than the Common Profile will get end-to-end encryption.