It appears that the time is ripe for a vast expansion of Rich Communication Services (RCS). Apple will roll out RCS support on iPhones with the upcoming iOS 18 update. Ahead of that rollout, Google is making some improvements and new features to Google Messages, and one of those features could include better security for RCS group chats.
Google Messages could get MLS for improved RCS group chats
Google Messages uses many custom features on top of the standard RCS Universal Profile. However, Apple has clarified that it will only use the RCS Universal Profile for iPhones. Currently, group chats aren't end-to-end encrypted on RCS. Google Messages has end-to-end encryption for group chats but through User Compatibility Exchange (UCE) rather than through the RCS Universal Profile core component.
A code string found (by Android Authority) in the latest version of the Google Messages app for Android reveals that Google might be preparing to implement Messaging Layer Security (MLS). This is an end-to-end encryption system designed for group chats. What is great about it is that when it is integrated, it works regardless of the app or the platform.
Earlier, Google wasn't interested in implementing MLS into Google Messages. However, the latest build of Google Messages (messages.android_20240719_00_RC00.phone_samsung_openbeta_dynamic) contains a text string +g.gsma.rcs.mls.mls-version. Looking at this string, it appears that the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), which oversees the development of RCS, could bring MLS to the RCS system.
What is MLS important for RCS messaging?
If that is the case, RCS will get a huge security boost. However, we can't say for sure if the GSMA has actually decided to bring MLS to RCS. It could just be a case of Google being optimistic about MLS and bringing it to Google Messages thinking that the GSMA will bring it as a core component of RCS as well.
If MLS support comes to RCS and the Google Messages app, group chats involving Android and iPhone users will have excellent data security.
As you know, Samsung has started to ditch its in-house Samsung Messages app in favor of Google Messages. This change was brought with One UI 6.1.1 on phones that come pre-installed with it. So
