5 new features offered by iMessage.. What are they?

26th September 2024

3 minutes read

5 new features offered by iMessage.. What are they?

Earlier this summer, Apple revealed that the iOS 18 operating system would introduce significant changes to the iPhone.

From new ways to customize the home screen and control center, to a brand-new password application, and a massive redesign of the Photos app, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 users will gain access to Apple’s AI-powered features.

However, for most people, the most impactful changes are the new features iOS 18 brings to one of their most-used apps, iMessage, which now offers new ways and features to send messages to friends, family, and even Android users.

Message scheduling

For the first time, iMessage allows you to schedule a message to be sent at a future time and date.

To do so, open the Messages app, select a person or group chat, and in the text box, click the “+” button on the right, then select the “Send Later” option.

Once selected, a blue bar with a default date and time will appear at the top of the text box. You can click on it to adjust the exact date and time to schedule the message.

From there, type your message and send it as usual.

Effects for specific words and phrases

For the first time, iOS 18 allows you to add specific formatting like bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough, as well as animated effects like vibrations and gestures, to individual words and phrases when sending a message.

To do this, open Messages, select the person or group chat you want to message, then click in the text box. You’ll see the “A” icon at the top right of the keyboard.

Click the “A” icon to view the available formatting effects. After writing your message, you can highlight specific words or phrases, select the “A” button, and add formatting and effects.

Now, you can add effects to individual words and phrases in a message.

Customizable reactions

Tapback reactions allow you to long-press on a message to interact with it, but until now, you could only choose from six Tapback options.

With iOS 18, more Tapback response options are available by default.

Apple has added six new emojis, including a turtle and five different faces, bringing the total to 12 options. You can also customize and add different responses, and set any emoji or sticker as a Tapback response.

Solving math problems

iOS 18 has integrated the Math Notes feature across several apps, including Notes, Calculator, and Messages.

This allows you to solve math equations in real time within the text box. All you need to do is type an equation in the text box, and once you add an equal sign (=), the solution will appear.

This can be useful when splitting a bill or dividing expenses.

Enhanced messaging with Android

iOS 18 provides support for a new communication protocol for messaging between iPhone and Android devices. If you have family members or friends using Android, your messaging quality will see a major upgrade.

Specifically, your Android-using friends will have access to messaging features like read receipts and typing indicators that were previously only available between iPhones.

The two devices will also be able to share much higher-quality photos and videos.