Proton Messages
When I try to replace my texting app with a FOSS version, I lose some of what I would say are critical features, attaching large files, like/reacts to messages, control over notifications. The dealbreaker to me here is the ability to attch large files. But maybe there's also a way to send encrypted messages using SMS/MMS/RCS?
I'd like a texting app the works over SMS/MMS/RCS and uses proton drive to attach files similar to how Google Messages uses Google Drive to attach files.
The links would need to be public links since its not sent over secure servers, but you could add similar security enhancements as you do with password sharing: links expire, password protection, and set a number of downloads limit.
The messages themselves could follow the same protocol.
It would be nice if I could send an encryption key using Proton Pass that would install on the receiver's device and allow for automatic decrypting of password protected encrypted texts when they click the links from non-proton apps if the key is installed on the device.
Lower priority: fully customizable notifications, sending/receiving reactions with Google Messages and iPhone users, and E2EE messaging with other Proton Messages users.
Quinn
shared this idea
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Sean
commented
I think Proton could be a possible org that offers some kind of alternative RCS infrastructure. However, I am really not familiar enough with why RCS is really only being offered by Google and Apple in 2026. I think this would require a lot of effort that I'd rather see invested in the existing product offerings.
I do like the idea of being able seamlessly share large files (from Proton Drive) through the messaging app.
I also like the idea of being able to securely share your key material, although I think this is already sort of solved by the protocol used by Signal/WhatsApp/etc.
At the moment, I think that if you want a seamless and platform-agnostic experience that is primarily phone-number based you should use Signal.
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Kerry
commented
This is highly unlikely. There's a reason that only one company had RCS-like features in their messages app until Google "created" RCS, and it's the same reason that it took years for Google to force their way into being number 1. They accomplished it, though, and **** will freeze over before another app comes even close to introducing a competition. This isn't just developing an app... This is developing an ecosystem that all of the carriers have to sign on to... And the carriers have no incentive to even talk to anyone else about any other option.