Apple’s new iOS 18 operating system brings important new features to the classic Messaging app, including the ability to send messages via satellite when out of Wi-Fi or cellular range.
Messages was one of the first apps focused on during the iOS 18 reveal at WWDC 2024 back in June, bringing some rumoured updates and others that had escaped the speculation.
And, after months of beta testing, iOS 18 is finally here. So, what can iPhone users look forward to with the Messages app in iOS 18? Well…
Messages via Satellite
Apple says it is leveraging the technology behind the Emergency SOS satellite messaging tool to bring satellite connectivity to the Messages app itself.
Apple says iMessages (between Apple devices) and SMS messages are compatible with the new tech. iMessages remain end-to-end encrypted too.
It’s not clear yet how much this service will cost and how responsive the messages will be. Could be handy if you’re in a fix though.
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Send Later
Messaging apps like Slack have the ability to schedule messages to ensure you can send a message while you think to, without disturbing people who may not be working. Now Apple is bringing a version of it to the Messages app.
So, for example, if you remember it’s your friend’s birthday tomorrow before you go to bed, you can schedule the message to ensure you don’t forget.
All-emoji Tapbacks
Apple has opened up the Tapbacks reactions to messages (currently limited to thumbs-up/down, love, question, exclaim) to include emoji in the library. This might get a little messy though. The current options are also getting a little colour revamp.
Word effects and formatting
In iOS 18 you can format text (bold, underline, strikethrough) while also adding effects to words. Words can be selected and formatted to jitter, shake, bloom, explode and more.
RCS Messaging
Apple didn’t go into much detail on this at the initial WWDC reveal, but Messages supports the RCS Messaging standard with iOS 18. That means that, once installed, you can enjoy more secure texting between iPhone and Android users, including high-resolution images and videos, typing indicators, read reports and more, all without resorting to MMS and traditional SMS.
The catch is that it isn’t enabled by default. To change this, go to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggle on RCS Messaging.
