[ad_1]
Apple Messages seems to get new or improved features with every version of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. This frequency of additions makes it easy to miss one, so here are several features you might have missed.
Note: All features are available when messaging Apple users with iMessage. Some features are compatible with other types of devices, such as Android phones, but may appear or work a little differently.
Edit recently sent messages
New in iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, you can edit a text message up to 15 minutes after you send it.
RELATED: How to Unsend or Edit an iMessage on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
On iPhone and iPad, tap and hold the sent message bubble, or on Mac, right-click. Select “Edit”, make your change in the text message field that appears, and press the check mark to save the change.
Your recipient may see an Edited indicator below the message that they can select to view the original message.
Undo Send for the last message
Along with the Edit feature above, Apple introduced the ability to cancel sending a text message. This is similar to retrieving an email in Outlook or Gmail. You can unsend a message up to two minutes after you send it.
On iPhone and iPad, tap and hold the sent message bubble, or on Mac, right-click. Select “Undo Send”. You will then see the message disappear in a puff of smoke.
Keep in mind that your recipient can see the message before you cancel it. However, he disappears from the conversation.
Use online answers to organize answers
One feature that can help keep your answers organized is Online Answers. This is useful when you’re sending and receiving text messages quickly and want to make it clear which message in the conversation you’re replying to.
RELATED: How to Use Inline Replies in Messages on iPhone and iPad
On iPhone and iPad, tap and hold the sent message bubble, or on Mac, right-click. Select “Reply”. You’ll see the specific message you want to reply to front and center with the rest blurred out. Enter your reply in the message field and send as normal.
You and your recipient will see a line connecting the reply to the message in the main conversation. Select the Reply or Replies link below the message to see the entire “side chat” with the rest blurred.
Flight and package tracking
If you receive a message with a flight number for a traveler or a tracking number for a package, you can get the status of each directly in the Messages app.
On iPhone and iPad, tap on the number, or on Mac, just click on it. For a flight, choose “Flight Preview” and for a package, choose “Track Shipment.”
You will then see a small pop-up window or a separate window open showing the status of the flight or package. You can also get additional details as available, such as departure and arrival times or the current location of a package.
Replace words with emojis
You may have noticed that when you type certain words in the message field on iPhone or iPad, you get a chance to display an emoji. But you can also do this after you finish typing the entire message for any word where an emoji is available.
RELATED: How to quickly select emoji in messages on an iPhone or iPad
On your iPhone or iPad, enter your message in the text field, but don’t send it yet. Instead, open the Emoji Keyboard using the icon at the bottom left.
You’ll see any words in your message that have a matching emoji get highlighted. Touch a highlighted word to replace it with the emoji. For some words, you may see different options that you can choose from directly above the word.
Use a mention to get attention
While this feature works in one-on-one conversations, it’s especially useful in group messages. You can mention a person in a message which then bolds their name and sends them a notification.
On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, start entering the contact’s name, then select it from the options that appear. Alternatively, type the @ (At) symbol followed by your name.
Your recipient sees your name nice and bold to get their attention.
Note: You can control mention notifications in Messages. On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > Messages and use the Notify Me option. On Mac, go to Messages > Settings > General and use the Notify me when my name is mentioned checkbox.
RELATED: 10 hidden Mac features you should be using
Handwriting or sketching a message
If you want to try something a little different with your next message, how about writing it by hand or drawing a picture? You can do this on iPhone and iPad and it only takes a minute to make your message special.
On iPhone, turn your device sideways so it’s in landscape view. On iPad, you can use any view. Select the scribble icon at the bottom right of the keyboard.
You’ll see a blank canvas appear for you to write or draw with your finger (or Apple Pencil on iPad). You can also see recent drawings and suggestions you can choose from at the bottom. Add your message and tap “Done.”
You will then see your handwriting or sketch in the text message field. Just send it like any other message.
filter messages
To quickly see your unread messages, those from known or unknown senders, or texts you recently deleted, you can use filters with a tap or a click.
RELATED: How to Hide Spam Text Messages from Unknown Senders on iPhone
On iPhone and iPad, tap the Filters arrow at the top left of the main Messages screen. Then choose an option to filter to see your results.
On Mac, select “View” from the menu bar. Then choose the filter you want to use to view the results.
Tapback to react quickly
One of the fastest ways to recognize a text in Messages is with a Tapback. You can respond with a heart, a thumbs up, a thumbs down, a laugh, an exclamation point, or a question mark.
RELATED: How to reply with a tapback in messages on iPhone and iPad
On iPhone and iPad, tap and hold the message and on Mac, right-click and select “Tapback.” Choose the reaction you want to send and that’s it. Your recipient will see the reaction icon in the corner of the message bubble.
Note: For earlier versions of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, the recipient sees a text label instead of an icon.
Send bubbles or screen effects
One more feature that is just plain fun is the message effects. You can share your message with a bubble effect like “loud” or “invisible ink” or a screen effect like lasers or fireworks.
On iPhone and iPad, write your message, then tap and hold the Send button. You will see a tabbed screen at the top for the available Bubble and Screen effects. Select one to preview and just tap the Submit button for the one you want.
On Mac, write your message, select the uppercase A icon to the left of the message field, and choose “Message Effects.” You will see all the Bubble and Screen effects together on one screen. Select one to preview and click the Submit button to use it.
Your recipient will see your effect the first time they see the message. They can also tap Play above the message bubble to enjoy it again.
With these handy Messages features, you can correct a sent message, keep track of deliveries, see only the messages you need, and send something fun to a friend. Are you like us and can’t wait to see what Apple brings to Messages next?
RELATED: 10 Great iPhone Features You Should Be Using
[ad_2]
