Google Messages Set to Receive High-Quality Audio Upgrade with New RCS Standard

The messaging landscape on Android is on the brink of a significant enhancement, thanks to the latest advancements in Rich Communication Services (RCS). The GSMA has officially unveiled Universal Profile 3.1, an update that promises to transform the way users experience voice messages and audio communication within Google Messages and other RCS-enabled platforms.

RCS: Narrowing the Gap Between Android and iOS Messaging

RCS has already reshaped smartphone messaging by delivering advanced features like read receipts, improved group chats, and higher-quality media sharing. What’s more, it has played a pivotal role in bridging the messaging divide between Android and iOS users, paving the way for seamless conversations across platforms.

With Universal Profile 3.1, the RCS standard is taking another leap forward—especially for those who frequently use voice messaging or share audio clips.

Major Product Features: xHE-AAC Audio Codec Integration

A key highlight of the newly announced Universal Profile 3.1 is the integration of the High-Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding (xHE-AAC) codec. Unlike the traditional audio compression methods that often result in tinny or muffled playback, xHE-AAC delivers superior audio quality while using less bandwidth. This means that voice notes, music snippets, and even ambient sound clips transmitted via RCS will sound much clearer and more lifelike.

According to the GSMA, this upgrade enables highly efficient compression and decompression of audio content, significantly improving clarity for both speech and non-speech audio. Whether you’re recording a quick voice note, sharing background sounds, or engaging in chatbot-based audio interactions (like with Google’s Gemini AI), listeners can expect playback that is remarkably closer to the original recording.

Enhancing Messaging with AI and Clearer Audio

The adoption of the xHE-AAC codec is particularly beneficial for integrations with AI chatbots, where clear speech recognition is crucial. This standard will help ensure that voice messages processed by digital assistants and chatbots are more accurately transcribed, benefiting both productivity and accessibility.

User Experience Improvements: Smoother Onboarding

Beyond superior audio, the Universal Profile 3.1 update includes backend changes designed to streamline the setup process for RCS users. The new mechanisms for connecting RCS apps to carrier services aim to make onboarding quicker and more reliable. For users who have previously encountered slow or failed RCS activation, these enhancements promise a more seamless experience, though real-world results will depend on implementation by network operators and messaging app developers.

Comparison with Existing Messaging Solutions

Unlike other messaging apps that heavily compress audio content, this RCS upgrade stands out for prioritizing fidelity. While WhatsApp and Apple’s iMessage offer high-quality voice messages, the global nature and cross-platform goals of RCS make this development particularly meaningful for Android, where device and carrier fragmentation can hamper consistency.

Rollout Timeline and Market Relevance

GSMA has published the Universal Profile 3.1 specifications, but users can expect a gradual rollout. It is now up to mobile carriers and app developers—chiefly Google, which leads RCS adoption via Google Messages—to implement the new features. While Google is likely to integrate xHE-AAC and onboarding improvements in a future update, Apple’s timeline remains uncertain, with possible support arriving in a later iOS 26 update.

For tech enthusiasts and professionals, this RCS enhancement marks a new chapter in mobile messaging, reinforcing Android’s commitment to modern, cross-platform communication.