The latest release of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) — dated 2025-06-18 — introduces powerful enhancements advancing MCP as the universal protocol for AI-native APIs. Key highlights include: Human-in-the-loop support via Elicitation flows, Full OAuth schema definitions for secure, user-authorized APIs, Structured Content and Output Schemas — typed, validated results with flexible schema philosophy and MIME type clarity. In this post, we’ll explore these features, why they matter, and close with an observation about how MCP reflects broader shifts in API design in an AI-first world. A major addition is explicit support for multi-turn, human-in-the-loop interactions through Elicitation Requests. Rather than a single, one-shot call, MCP now supports a conversational sequence where the tool and client collaborate to clarify and collect missing or ambiguous information. This workflow enables real-world applications such as Interactive form filling, Clarifying user intent, Collecting incremental data, Confirming ambiguous or partial information, etc. These enhancements in MCP demonstrate Ciscos commitment to innovation and staying at the forefront of AI and API technology. For more information, visit the Cisco Blogs website.
