During Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote, Apple revealed iOS 18 and its many new features. One area that will see significant changes is the Messages app.
The Messages app is no stranger to anyone with an iPhone. It’s been on the iPhone since the first model in 2007, hosts all your iMessage conversations, and also helps you stay in touch with Android users via text messages. Now, iOS 18 is going to overhaul it with some pretty big changes, all of which we’ve outlined below.
Scheduled messages
One of the best new features in the iOS 18 Messages app is the ability to schedule messages to send later, a feature previously only available in the Mail app. It may be wise to delay sending a message for several reasons. For example, you may want to avoid interrupting the recipient late at night or during their work hours. It could also be a situation where the recipient is in a different time zone and you want the message delivered at a more convenient time.
Another reason to delay a message is to give yourself time to review and revise it, if necessary, before sending it. Scheduling it later allows for a period of reflection and the possibility of a final review. You can also edit and delete scheduled messages at any time before they are sent, giving you great flexibility.
Postponing messages is especially useful for reminders that are best seen later in the week. For example, if you are having a party on Saturday and want to remind your guests on Friday not to forget, but today is only Wednesday, delaying the message can help ensure it is sent at the right time.
Finally, planning messages in advance is a great way to write special messages, such as birthday wishes. For example, you can plan and create scheduled messages for everyone with a birthday next month and send them on each recipient’s big day.
New text formatting options
Over the years, Apple has added tools to make everyday texts more creative, and iOS 18 adds even more features to make each of your messages distinct.
You can bold, italicize, underline, and strikethrough words in the Messages app with iOS 18. You can also apply animated effects to any letter, word, phrase, or emoji. For example, you can zoom in or out of content, make it “explode” or “nod,” and much more.
Better yet, you’ll receive recommendations on which effects to use based on the words in the message you type. These formatting options are housed in a new menu (see above), making it quick and easy to apply these effects whenever you want.
Tapback is better than ever
Tapbacks are a great way to respond quickly to a message. Unfortunately, in the current form, Tapbacks are limited to sending a few emoji like a thumbs up or thumbs down, haha, a heart or an exclamation point.
In iOS 18, Apple further improves Tapbacks by adding the ability to add any emoji or sticker. You can even use Live Stickers that you can design using your favorite photos and sticker packs. The Messages app will also keep track of your favorite Tapbacks, making them easier to find and use later.
Messages with satellite
Sending messages is a great way to contact someone quickly. However, your messages will not be delivered if you do not have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. With the release of iOS 18, if you have an iPhone 14 or later, you can send messages even without a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
In these situations, satellite capabilities will be used. You can still use all the essential features to text someone on iMessage, and it’s all done with end-to-end encryption.
Satellite messaging is part of the same system as Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite services. Just like those services, you’ll get two years of satellite messaging for free when you activate your iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or iPhone 16 later this year.
RCS messaging support
RCS Messaging is also coming with iOS 18. This is a highly anticipated feature that allows iPhone users to send and receive RCS messages to Android users. RCS is a newer technology than SMS, offering improved media sharing and read receipts.
RCS conversations will still have green bubbles like those in SMS today, but the experience will be a night and day difference. With RCS, you’ll be able to text someone with an Android phone while benefiting from typing indicators, read receipts, high-resolution photo and video sharing, better group chats, and much more .
Apple Intelligence
In addition to the above features, Apple Intelligence will heavily influence the Messages app in iOS 18. Apple Intelligence is the company’s version of AI and could potentially change the way we use our mobile devices in the future.
However, not all Apple devices will have access to Apple Intelligence, and it is unlikely to be available with the initial launch of iOS 18 this fall.
Once Apple Intelligence is available, it will introduce many new features that will change the way we communicate with each other. One such feature is AI’s ability to suggest what to write to someone by analyzing previous messages and providing recommendations.
In addition to providing writing assistance, Apple Intelligence is also introducing “Genmoji,” a feature that lets AI create new images based on a description, suggested concept, or even a person in your Photos library. Additionally, with Apple’s new Image Playground app, users can edit images using different ideas and styles. These images can be used in the Messages app and elsewhere to enhance your text or work.
The Messages app is evolving in iOS 18. However, the features mentioned here are also coming to iPad with iPadOS 18 and Mac with macOS 15 Sequoia. While most features will arrive in early fall, others, particularly those related to Apple Intelligence, could be delayed until the end of the year.
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