During Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple unveiled 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, is home to all your iMessage conversations, and also helps you stay in touch with Android users via SMS texts. Now, iOS 18 will overhaul that 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 be sent later, a feature that was 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 working hours. It could also be a situation where the recipient is in a different time zone and you want the message to be delivered at a more convenient time.
Another reason to delay a message is to give yourself time to review it and correct it if necessary before sending it. Scheduling it later allows for a period of reflection and an opportunity for a final review. You can also edit and delete scheduled messages at any time before they are sent, giving you a lot of flexibility.
Delaying messages is especially useful for reminders that are best seen later in the week. For example, if you’re hosting 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’s sent at the right time.
Finally, planning messages ahead of time is a great way to prepare 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 the big day to each recipient.
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 different.
You can bold, italicize, underline, and strike out 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 make content appear larger or smaller, or make it “explode” or “nod” and much more.
Perhaps even better, you’ll get recommendations on which effects to use based on the words in the message you’re typing. These formatting options are located in a new menu (seen 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 its current form, Tapbacks are limited to sending just a few emojis like thumbs up or thumbs down, lol, heart or exclamation mark.
In iOS 18, Apple makes Tapbacks even better by adding the ability to add any emojis or stickers. You can even use Live Stickers that you can design using your photos and favorite sticker packs. The Messages app will also keep track of your favorite Tapbacks, making them easier to find and use later.
Satellite communications
Messaging is a great way to connect with someone quickly. However, your messages won’t be delivered if you don’t have Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. With the release of iOS 18, if you have an iPhone 14 or later, you can send messages even without Wi-Fi or a cellular connection.
In these situations, satellite capabilities will be used. You can still use all the critical features to text someone in iMessage, and it’s all done with end-to-end encryption.
Satellite messaging is included as part of the same system as Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite services. Just like these services, you’ll get two years of satellite data for free when you activate your iPhone 14, iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 later this year.
RCS message support
RCS Messages also comes with iOS 18. It is a long-awaited 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 they do today, but the experience will be night and day. Thanks to RCS, you’ll be able to text someone with an Android phone and still get input indicators, read receipts, high-resolution photo and video sharing, better group chats, and more.
Apple Intelligence
In addition to the features above, Apple Intelligence will heavily influence the Messages app in iOS 18. Apple Intelligence is the company’s version of AI, and it 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 release of iOS 18 this fall.
Once Apple Intelligence is available, it will introduce a host of new features that will change the way we communicate with each other. One of these features is the ability of AI to suggest what to write to someone by analyzing previous messages and providing recommendations.
In addition to typing assistance, Apple Intelligence also introduces “Genmoji,” a feature that allows AI to create new images based on a description, a suggested concept, or even a person from your photo library. Additionally, with Apple’s new Image Playground app, users can modify 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 changing 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, especially those related to Apple Intelligence, may be delayed until the end of the year.
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