APKMirror came across an unreleased version of RCS Messaging
that indicates the service would soon be integrated with end-to-end encryption.
Bearing similarities to iMessages of iPhone, WhatsApp, and
Facebook Messenger – RCS messages was launched for Android users in December
2019. An alternative to the regular SMS feature, the service enabled users to
send better quality photos and videos, receive read receipts, and toggle many
other rich-text messaging options.
However, secure messaging remains a priority amongst the
consumers and many Android users shied away from using Google’s messaging service
due to the lack of end-to-end encryption.
But seems like this may not be a problem anymore as a code
spotted in the upcoming version of RCS shows end-to-end encryption on the way
for sending messages, sharing location, emoji’s, and so forth over a Wi-Fi
connection. The implementation of the security protocol would bring the
messaging app on par with other leading messaging services such as iMessage and
WhatsApp.
As of yet, it is unclear when the features would see the
final day of the light but with the growing competition in the messaging niche,
we can expect Google to roll out the service soon.
RCS messages are currently available in the US, the UK, and
several other countries.