iOS 18 to Support RCS but Lacks Crucial Encryption

The upcoming iOS update will introduce RCS messaging for iPhone users, amid concerns over the absence of end-to-end encryption for cross-platform messages.

A recent leak suggests that iOS 18 will introduce RCS support for iPhone but will lack end-to-end encryption for messages between iPhone and Android users.
The lack of encryption for RCS messages has been highlighted as a critical issue by the DOJ in its lawsuit against Apple.
Apple has been urged to collaborate with Google to provide end-to-end encryption for RCS, a more secure alternative to traditional SMS.
Despite the push for RCS support, users are advised to use fully encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal for secure communication.
The anticipated introduction of RCS in iOS 18 is seen as a response to regulatory pressure and antitrust investigations in the US and Europe.