Skip to main content

Google Messages testing RCS’ new MLS encryption, Details page redesign

Back in March, cross-platform end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS was announced, and Google Messages is beginning to test the new Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol.

Universal Profile 3.0 adds support for MLS, which makes E2E encryption possible across different RCS clients and providers. Google first announced its support for this interoperable protocol in 2023. The GSMA and Apple announced official adoption this March. 

Google Messages is now beginning to test MLS encryption for RCS. It starts with a new message “Details” (long-press on the chat/text) screen that’s fullscreen compared to the current approach.

You get a preview of the message at the top, with Google also showing a “Status” section for “Sent” and Delivered” that explains the new checkmarks. We see Google using the latest single circle design that has yet to become widely available 

Advertisement - scroll for more content

There’s also a “From” section, while the bottom portion provides more technical details like:

  • Type: End-to-End Encrypted Rich Communication Service message 
  • Priority: Normal
  • Message id: xxxxx
  • Encryption Protocol: EncryptionProtocol(value=1)

A previous teardown from earlier this year suggested that the “1” value is new MLS protocol, while “0” is Google’s existing approach for Android devices.

This new design is not widely rolled out in the beta channel. It’s unclear if that’s also the case for MLS as the old UI makes no indication, while Apple has yet to specify when support is coming.

More on Google Messages:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading NewGeekGuide — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow NewGeekGuide on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com