Great news for Xiaomi users! Soon, you can send fully encrypted messages to iPhone users using RCS messaging. The GSMA has introduced a new standard for messaging, which allows Android and iPhone users to chat securely for the first time.
Before this update, iPhone users had encrypted messages through iMessage. Android users on the other hand had encrypted RCS messages in Google Messages. However, messages between iPhones and Android phones lacked the end-to-end encryption. With this new update, end-to-end encryption comes in to fix the problem, making cross-platform messaging more secure than ever. Now, Xiaomi and iPhone users can send private messages to each other without worrying about the security of their chats.
How the New RCS Encryption Works
The new RCS update includes:
- End-to-end encryption (E2EE) using Message Layer Security (MLS)
- Protection from hackers and service providers
- Support from GSMA, Apple, Google, Xiaomi, and other tech companies
- No third-party access to message content
When Apple launched iOS 18, the software update came with support for RCS messages. However, this was limited to only chats between Apple devices. With this new update, the bridge is finally gapped.
Benefits for Xiaomi Users
If you use a Xiaomi phone, this update will give you:
- More privacy when chatting with iPhone users
- Better security with fully encrypted messages
- Automatic encryption—no extra setup needed
- Smooth messaging experience across different devices
- Future updates that will keep your messages secure
Even though Apple has confirmed that it will soon support RCS messages, the Cupertino company has not yet stated when this will happen. This move is in line with Google’s efforts in pushing for secure messaging. The search engine giant made end-to-end encryption default for RCS messaging in 2023.
With this update, Xiaomi strengthens its commitment to privacy and security. Users can soon chat safely, whether they use a Xiaomi phone or an iPhone. This change closes the security gap between blue and green bubbles, making messaging more private and seamless than ever before.
Source: Giz China
