Following his recent updates on RCS and E2EE, the latest blog from GSMA’s Tom van Pelt highlights new audio messaging and onboarding capabilities that come with the newly launched RCS Universal Profile 3.1.
I am excited to tell you about the next milestone in the evolution of Rich Communication Services (RCS) with the release of RCS Universal Profile (UP) 3.1. This latest update brings a host of enhancements designed to improve connectivity, media quality and service flexibility for both operators and end users. Building on the solid foundation of UP 3.0, the 3.1 release reflects the collaborative efforts of global stakeholders and continues to push the boundaries of mobile messaging and other communication.
One of the most impactful advancements in UP 3.1 is the introduction of new mechanisms for connecting RCS clients to operator services. This required enhancements in the client onboarding process and integration with push notification services provided by the device operating systems. By refining the client-to-operator interface, UP 3.1 ensures a more seamless and reliable user experience, especially in challenging coverage conditions.
Another standout feature of UP 3.1 is the upgrade to audio messaging capabilities. The release introduces support for the xHE-AAC audio codec, enabling highly efficient compression and decompression of shared audio content, which significantly enhances the quality both for speech and non-speech use cases. Whether users are sending voice notes, ambient sound clips, or have audio-based chatbot interactions, they can now expect clearer, more natural playback.
As I look ahead, UP 3.1 sets the stage for continued innovation in the RCS ecosystem. With a sharper focus on media quality, service flexibility and global scalability, this release empowers operators and developers to deliver richer, more engaging communication experiences. I invite all stakeholders to explore the new capabilities of UP 3.1 and join us in shaping the future of mobile messaging, which is already taking shape. Google recently reported that over one billion RCS messages are now sent daily in the United States alone, following widespread adoption across Android and iOS platforms.
This milestone underscores the scale and momentum of RCS, offering a compelling opportunity to engage users with next-generation messaging experiences.
Access the latest specifications from the GSMA RCS Working Group here. GSMA members are welcome to register their interest in joining the GSMA RCS Working Group by emailing [email protected].