iMessage gets competitive new features in iOS 16

By

iMessage conversation, with an edited message notated by a label
In iOS 16, you'll be able to edit your iMessages to ensure you don't accidentally call your boss Babe... again.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple’s Messages app is getting great new features in iOS 16 that will give users greater control over the way they communicate with friends, family and co-workers.

iMessage is already arguably one of the biggest chat services, thanks to its deep integration with iPhone and the rest of the Apple ecosystem. The new features, including the ability to tweak or delete messages that have already been sent, should make it even more competitive — and potentially less embarrassing.

Messages app gets an edit button

The first big feature announced for the Messages app during Monday’s WWDC22 keynote is the ability to edit messages after they are sent. After long-pressing on the message, you can select edit. This allows you to fix a typeo or make a change to ensure that the recipient sees what you intended.

As with some other chat services, the Messages app will flag edited messages with a label noting the modification. This adds a layer of transparency while allowing users to communicate most effectively.

Unsend an iMessage

iMessage conversation with option to unsend (delete) message
Accidentally sent a co-worker a message meant for your spouse? Now you can wipe that embarrassing moment from your conversation.
Photo: Apple

The next major feature is the ability to delete a sent message. Deleting a message removes it from the thread and replaces it with a label noting its removal. This means that if you sent the wrong link, or sent a message to the wrong person, you can remove it to ensure things remain clear.

According to Apple’s press release, the options for editing and deleting remain available for 15 minutes after the iMessage is initially sent. You may recover or restore a deleted message for up to 30 days.

Marking iMessage unread

The third big feature in the iOS 16 update is the ability to mark an iMessage thread as unread. This should prove especially convenient if you need to respond at a later time and don’t want to forget. This makes iMessage much more akin to services like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

None of these new Messages features look truly revolutionary in the chat and messaging app landscape. However, they show Apple’s continued commitment to making iMessage a competitive platform.

With the first developer beta launched Monday, iOS 16 will become available to the general public later this year. You can find additional details on new features coming to iPhone in our iOS 16 roundup from WWDC22.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.