- Apple will implement end-to-end encryption on RCS messages between iPhone y Android, improving the security of communications.
- New features such as message editing, quotes, and undoing sends will be added, bridging the gap with iMessage.
- RCS encryption will also be coming to iPadOS, macOS and watchOS, extending security to the entire Apple ecosystem.
- The impact will be greatest in the US, where RCS messages are widely used versus options such as WhatsApp.
Apple has already announced one of the first major new features of iOS 19, and it will benefit not only iPhone users but also Android users. Through the GSMA, the company has announced improvements to RCS messaging, a messaging system that, until now, had certain limitations in communication between the two platforms.
The changes will focus on improving the to maximise security and your enjoyment. and functionality of messages sent between iPhone and Android devices. One of the main new features is the incorporation of the end-to-end encryption in these messages, a measure that seeks to protect the privacy of users of both platforms.
Messages between iPhone and Android will be more secure
Until now, when a user sent a message from one iPhone to another iPhone, they did so via iMessage, ensuring a secure encryption end-to-end. However, messages sent between iPhone and Android using RCS did not have this level of protection.
With iOS 19, Apple has confirmed that This encryption will also be applied to RCS messages that are sent between both platforms, something that will make the security of these messages equal to that of iMessage. This means that neither Apple nor Google will be able to access the content of the conversations, ensuring greater privacy.
In addition, this improvement It will not be limited to just the iPhoneApple will also expand end-to-end encryption to other devices in its ecosystem, including iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, ensuring that messages sent from any Apple device maintain the same level of security. to maximise security and your enjoyment..
More features for RCS messages
In addition to improved encryption, iOS 19 will bring new features to RCS messaging, offering a more modern and functional experience for users communicating between iPhone and Android.
- Editing messagesUsers will be able to edit messages after sending them, something that was previously only available on iMessage and some messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
- Quotes in messages: Replying to specific messages within a conversation will be allowed, which is especially useful in group chats.
- Undo send: A message can be deleted after it has been sent without leaving any trace of it in the conversation.
- Tapback Support: Quick reactions will be added to messages, a feature that was missing from iPhone compatibility with RCS on Android.
These features will bring the RCS messaging experience closer to that of iMessage, removing many of the limitations that existed in communication between iPhone and Android users.
The impact of these changes on the market
While in markets like Spain and Latin America, the majority of users rely on messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, in countries like the United States, text messaging remains a very popular method of communication. This is because SMS has historically been free with many US phone plans, which has led to iMessage and, more recently, RCS becoming widely used options.
With these improvements in iOS 19, the differentiation between messages sent between iPhone and Android will be significantly reduced. This could help mitigate the infamous "green bubble gap," a phenomenon in which messages sent from an iPhone to an Android appeared in a green bubble with fewer features. This led to users preferring to surround themselves with iPhone-based contacts in some social settings in the US.
Furthermore, the fact that Apple has decided to improve its RCS support without replacing iMessage indicates that The company continues to defend its own ecosystem, but at the same time, it has yielded to pressure from organizations and users to improve interoperability with Android. With WWDC 2025 just around the corner, it's very likely that Apple will reveal more details about these implementations at its annual developer conference. iOS 19 will not only bring advancements for those using iPhones, but will also benefit those who communicate with Android users.
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