iMessage: New features planned for iOS 18

iOS 18 not only brings many innovations in terms of artificial intelligence, Apple also wants to work more intensively on the user interface and individual apps. This also includes the messaging app, aka iMessage. The first details have now been leaked. They concern not only AI features and the SMS successor RCS, but also usability. An overview of various new functions that Apple is rumored to be planning for iMessage on the iPhone – and presumably also on the iPad and Mac.

RCS, AI responses and (more) confetti

For the first time, Apple users will be able to use the "Rich Communication Standard", or RCS, in the Messages app. This has been demanded for many years – especially by Apple's competitor Google, whose Android operating system has so far had to use the outdated SMS to communicate with iOS users (if WhatsApp and co. are not used). It is already known that RCS will probably appear in iOS 18 in the fall, presumably with the release version. The service allows modern functions such as audio messages, read markers, typing indicator, data transfer via Wi-Fi (as an alternative to mobile communications) and higher resolutions for photos and videos.

So-called Suggested Replies are reportedly coming to the Messages app thanks to Apple's new AI support in iOS 18. Previous communication histories are to be analyzed locally, and suitable responses displayed, as known from Teams, for example. Text effects that do not use the entire screen are also new. As Macrumors reports, it will soon be possible to highlight individual words, which will then pop up with confetti, for example. It is still unclear whether standard formatting such as bold, italics or underline will finally be introduced.

Individual emojis and other interface improvements

Thanks to AI, it should also be possible to create "custom emojis". These are generated based on the message context and offered for selection. There will also be new icons for tapbacks in the interface, which will apparently be given a new look.

Finally, Apple is also planning summaries of previously received messages via AI, also on the device. However, this function could also become part of the notifications. iOS 18 will be shown at WWDC on 10 June, Mac & i will provide a live ticker from 7 pm. The final version of iOS 18 will probably be released in September.

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