Most days, I’m knee-deep helping clients with compliance checklists, mobile device management, and the occasional phishing fire drill. But when end-to-end encryption (E2EE) finally arrived for cross-platform texting, I paused. It is a major milestone. Android and iPhone users can now communicate with real privacy that is encrypted, verified, and inaccessible to hackers or carriers.

Let’s rewind.

On March 7, 2025, the GSMA announced that Universal Profile 3.0 would bring E2EE to RCS (Rich Communication Services) using the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. This upgrade creates Signal-style protection for everyday business texting. Apple’s RCS adoption in iOS 18 made headlines in 2024. While blue bubble iMessages already had encryption, the green bubbles are finally catching up, although not fully there yet.

Now, when using Google Messages on Android, users can see a lock icon next to their message and timestamp. Tap “Details” and “Verify encryption” to compare codes with your recipient. It is a solid confirmation that no one is eavesdropping. Apple’s system is less clear for now. RCS messages show as “Text Message – RCS” in green, but encryption indicators are still evolving. They may arrive in iOS 18.3.

This change affects more than casual texting. Our clients include legal professionals, education administrators, nonprofits, and manufacturers, all of whom rely on texting to share sensitive details. Whether it is a donor list, a supplier contract, or a student record, unsecured messaging has been a major risk. A recent CNET article even noted gaps in RCS adoption among carriers, with Verizon and others still catching up.

At CyberStreams, we have seen scam texts increase by 25 percent since 2023. With E2EE now in play, encrypted texting could help slow that trend, but only if people know how to use it. So how do you make sure your chat is truly locked down?

Three Takeaways and Next Steps:

Look for the Lock
On Android, check for the lock icon next to messages. On iPhone, keep an eye out for visual encryption cues in future iOS updates.

Test with a Pal
Send an RCS message and verify encryption codes with someone you trust. It is the easiest way to confirm E2EE is active.

Push Your Carrier
Ask your mobile provider about MLS support on your line. Some networks are ahead of others, so do not assume it is already working.

Conclusion:
This is not just a feature update. It is a fundamental shift in mobile security. For organizations that rely on texting but cannot always afford deep IT oversight, E2EE in RCS finally delivers real protection where it is needed most. Whether you are texting a client, a donor, or a supplier, these messages can now be locked down tight. Take the time to verify encryption is working, educate your team, and advocate for full support from your carrier.