The new end-to-end encryption comes as part of a broader release by GSMA called RCS Universal Profile 3.0, featuring improved audio messaging support, enhanced spam detection capabilities, and better engagement with chatbots.

When RCS messaging became available on the iPhone with the rollout of iOS 18, the technical director of the GSM Association teased that the next major milestone for the messaging standard is the addition of interoperable end-to-end encryption.

With the GSMA releasing new RCS specs, Apple pledges to 'add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in future software updates.'