Google Messages removes RCS no-encryption icon from iPhone

In a curious change, Google Messages no longer indicates that end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is not available in iPhone RCS conversations.

Last week, Google Messages announced that Android-iPhone RCS conversations do not support end-to-end encryption with a slash lock icon. This is because Google Messages uses its own E2EE implementation for both individual and group conversations.

Apple wants encryption to be added to the RCS Universal Profile standard. It’s not yet clear whether that will happen by the time iOS 18 launches in the fall. Google will likely adopt this standardized approach when it becomes available.

Starting today, Google has removed the crossed-out padlock from iOS-Android conversations. This appears to be a server-side change with recent beta versions of Google Messages.

Before vs. after

Previously, most people encountered this icon when communicating with Android users who did not use Google Messages as their text messaging app.

In a way, this mirrors the status quo that currently exists with SMS. There’s no point in noting the lack of encryption in Android-iOS conversations, because end users can’t do anything about it right now.

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