Google’s RCS may soon get end-to-end encryption like Apple iMessage, hints unreleased build

Google has been rolling out its RCS (Rich Communication Services) to limited users around the globe. While we already know the features of RCS, this time APK Mirror has found what is called an internal ‘dogfood’ build of app that reveals an upcoming feature (and an important one). 

While the internal build has several changes as per 9to5Google, one of the key features found is the end-to-end encryption support, which for now, is missing from it. Called as Google’s answer to Apple iMessage, RCS is assumed as the successor to the SMS and MMS that most of us use for now. However, Apple’s iMessage has always offered end-to-end encryption and it looks like Google’s RCS is next in line.

Also read: Zoom hack: We asked Microsoft, Google, AnyDesk about their encryption models

For those unaware, end-to-end encryption means that the messages that you send are first encrypted in your device and can only be decrypted on the receiver’s device so nobody can snoop in to reach your texts.

The new build found by APK Mirror however indicates in a total of 12 strings of codes that end-to-end encryption is well underway. The codes sometimes shorten its mention by using ‘e2ee’. However, there aren’t enough details as to when this feature will be rolled out to users or what are its exact requirements. It might be possible that both the sender and receiver must use RCS for encryption to work.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy A Quantum launched with quantum encryption technology

It has also been reported that at least the user would require a good, stable internet connection to get this feature. In case you don’t know, Google’s RCS sends the messages as a (non-encrypted) SMS or a MMS if the internet network is not good. But before sending, it will remind you that SMS or MMS does not support end-to-end encryption and will ask for your consent.

However, end-to-end encryption may get another layer of security as per the RCS build. Report states that it could let users set whether other Android apps can access your encrypted messages or not. We are yet to see how this will work.