Apple and Google are starting to deploy end-to-end encryption tests for RCS messages between iPhone and Android, helping to increase security and reduce differences between the two platforms.
The new feature is considered a major step forward in eliminating "green bubble discrimination" (the term for the phenomenon of iPhone users in the US and some countries disregarding or discriminating against Android users just because of the color of the message bubble in the iMessage application), and also helps make communication between iPhone and Android users safer.
After years of complaints about the lack of synchronous communication between the two largest operating systems in the world, Apple and Google have finally introduced end-to-end encryption (e2ee) into conversations between iPhone and Android users.
This feature will begin to be deployed in beta version from May 12 for devices using the latest software.
When activated, messages between the two platforms will be encrypted during transmission, helping to prevent the risk of being hacked, monitored or third-party content.
End-to-end encryption has appeared on Apple's iMessage since 2011. Meanwhile, Android users have also been able to send encrypted messages to each other since 2021. However, the biggest gap lies in the fact that conversations between iPhone and Android are still not fully protected.
The main reason stems from Apple's years of refusal to support the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard, a technology considered a modern upgraded version of SMS.
RCS supports many features such as read notifications, status display, sending high-quality photos, emoticons and especially encryption capabilities.
Although Google continuously urged Apple to support RCS to improve the multi-platform communication experience, the "Apple" side only started accepting this technology in 2023 after pressure from regulators in Europe and many other markets.
For many years, the difference between the "green bubble" of Android and the "blue bubble" of iMessage has created a phenomenon called "green bubble discrimination".
Many iPhone users believe that texting with Android reduces the quality of the experience, especially in group chats or when sharing videos and images.
Apple's RCS support and deployment of end-to-end encryption are considered a major step forward to narrow the gap between the two largest mobile ecosystems in the world. If the conversation is protected by e2ee, users will see a lock icon appear in the chat box.
Currently, the new feature is still being tested, so not all users can access it immediately.
