The GSM Association (GSMA) has just unveiled the RCS Universal Profile 3.1, marking a major update for the Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging standard embraced by Android and, more recently, iOS. This new profile introduces a host of improvements, with top billing given to a better voice messaging experience and more reliable connectivity—two features that reflect how people actually use their phones to communicate in 2025.
High-Quality Voice Notes for All
Voice messages are quickly becoming the preferred way to communicate on chat apps, and RCS is keeping up. With Universal Profile 3.1, the standard now fully supports the xHE-AAC audio codec, renowned for delivering high-fidelity audio at lower bitrates. Previous versions could only decode this codec, meaning users could only receive high-quality audio. Now, with encoding support, you can both send and receive crystal-clear voice notes and audio clips. This upgrade means your RCS conversations can sound as good as those on top instant messaging apps.
Connectivity That Just Works—Even With Poor Signal
The other major change is improved resilience to erratic network connections—a common pain point in many regions. Until now, RCS required a constant connection to the network to send and receive messages. That’s set to change: Universal Profile 3.1 allows RCS clients to temporarily drop the connection and rely on push notifications to alert your device when a message is waiting. This is similar to how Telegram and WhatsApp operate, ensuring you don’t miss messages even when moving in and out of coverage. It’s a welcome change that will help users in rural areas or places where connectivity fluctuates.
Keeping RCS Current
GSMA’s announcement comes just months after the rollout of Universal Profile 3.0. This year alone, RCS has seen a slew of new features through Google Messages, including RCS contact labels, a “delete for everyone” feature, notification snoozing, and even the option to message yourself. Furthermore, there’s already evidence that Google’s Gemini AI could be integrated into RCS soon, bringing smart suggestions and next-level chat automation.
Momentum Grows With Apple’s Support
The timing for RCS improvements couldn’t be better. After years of waiting, Apple finally brought RCS support with iOS 18. This move reportedly contributed to RCS traffic hitting one billion messages per day as of May 2025. With both major mobile ecosystems now backing RCS, features like high-quality voice notes and robust connectivity are set to become the new baseline for everyday chat.