Jesus the EU is really regulating the shit out of Apple and I love it
I could see the GSMA adopting IETF’s Message Layer Security for E2E Encryption.
For an app to provide end-to-end encryption, it needs an extra layer of cryptography that sets up encryption keys among the devices participating in a conversation, so that these devices can encrypt users’ data in a way that cloud services can’t decrypt. Before MLS, there was no open, interoperable specification for this extra layer. MLS fills this gap, providing a system that is completely specified, formally verified, and easy for developers to use.
Google already said they will support this protocol.
In a move towards enhancing user privacy and security, Google has officially announced its support for the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol for its Messages app. Google has always hoped that Apple can add support for Rich Communication Solutions (RCS). However, the company has now turned its attention to the Message Layer Security (MLS) protocol. It is hoping to increase the cross – platform link and convince Apple to make changes in iMessage.
Given a large part of the GSMA are gov agencies or carriers that are under gov pressure and subject to well established wire tapping requirements I would be very surprised if encryption is adopted. It was proposed during the original spec and refused and again more recently refused.
So will they also add the ability for alternative messaging apps to be able to send / receive messages?
iMessage isn’t popular just because it’s iMessage, it’s popular because it’s the priority messaging system and seamlessly integrates with “normal” SMS/MMS messages.
I think Apple should make a MessageKit framework (or something like that) to enable apps the ability to essentially replace the messages app.
Apple makes and locks in so many default apps, and it’s kind of annoying honestly.
I hope this interoperability will mean something like Trillian could exist for the modern age… a single app that lets you communicate with everyone regardless of the platform they use. it’s a shame XMPP didn’t really take off
I am an avid RCS supporter and have been for years, but I don’t think Apple need to open up the whole app.
Apple does not have any real lock in for messaging apps, people can add their own to the App Store easily, there are no rules against this. WhatsApp has existed and been the primary messaging for many for a decade and Apple hasn’t ever tried to kill it.
For legitimate security reasons does not allow other apps to takeover SMS/MMS etc. I am over the moon Apple will finally allow real interoperability between platforms, that was the issue and it will be fixed, no need to bloat it.
I think Apple should make a MessageKit framework (or something like that) to enable apps the ability to essentially replace the messages app.
So 3rd party sms apps like android? I can see why some people might like that but also why apple wouldn’t. Walled garden and all that stuff, they’d never make this an API
I wonder if rcs compatability is just releasing to the iOS 17 iPhones, or if they are gonna add it to the long term support operating systems.
new iPhone 16 feature confirmed? /hj
I’m just glad the bubble will still be green. Fuck Android.
You know you’re the only one that sees the green bubble, not the android user, right?
Wow you’re so cool 🙄
I reckon it’ll be snuck in a quiet update when they do release it. It won’t be a headlining feature
I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of Apple fanboys against RCS suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something wonderful has happened.
I think this will be a good thing even though it seems like apples hand has been forced here.
What a terrible article. So much words but could be said in I a paragraph.
ANdRoId dOeS eVerYtHing BeTtEr jfc you all sound like imbeciles
Bet $10,000 dollars they will lock it behind a paywall, and if you don’t pay you are still forced to use SMS.
I mean that was obvious that apple did that because
It’s a real bummer that the US relies on the EU to be its regulatory branch of government.
That being said this is exciting. I hope they make RCS message bubbles brown.
The US is not a government. It’s a global corporation backed by a violent military. The EU for all it’s trouble dies try to be reasonable.
It remains to be seen if RCS support really fulfills the EU requirements.
BTW, green bubble vs. blue bubble is not really a thing in the EU. As iMessage is indeed rarely used here, nobody will buy an iPhone because of it.
RCS bubbles will be pink with red text.
From the EU perspective iMessage does not even qualify as having enough regular users
Three conspiracy theorists walk into a bar You can’t tell me that’s just a coincidence .