Apple has announced a number of new features for the Messages app in iOS 10, including Digital Touch videos and new chat bubble effects.

Messages now shows shared media inside chat transcripts, so that link and image thumbnail previews display, Apple Music tracks can be listened to, and videos can be played without leaving the app.

Messages in iOS 10
The camera functionality has also been enhanced inside Messages, allowing users to see what the camera lens is focusing on, while recently taken photos can be browsed alongside the lens view.

iOS 10 also brings emoji predictions as you type, and Messages will highlight words that have corresponding emoji characters, allowing users to tap them and instantly turn them into images. Emojis are also displayed three times bigger than previously in chat transcripts.

Another new feature is called "Bubble Effects", which enable users to expand or deflate chat bubbles in the transcript screen for emphasis. Bubbles can also be made to reveal their contents gradually for dramatic effect.

In addition, Messages in iOS 10 will support handwritten message bubbles, and includes a Digital Touch feature similar to on the Apple Watch, allowing users to sketch responses, share their heartbeat, and more.

Fullscreen animated background effects are also included in the new Messages app, such as disco lights and fireworks, while new third-party 'iMessage apps' can be added in a dedicated app drawer similar to that found in Facebook Messenger, where stickers, seals and animations reside for quick access.

iOS 10 supports all iOS 9 devices except the iPhone 4s and iPad 2, and is available to developers in beta today, while the public beta comes in July, followed by a full release in the fall.

Related Roundup: WWDC 2023

Top Rated Comments

RedOrchestra Avatar
88 months ago
... but man it's so confusing and messy.
NOPE, just type away as normal and ignore the extraneous.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RamGuy Avatar
88 months ago
horrible messages app mess, I guess I will need to use whatsapp as my main one now...
I though apple was all about removing skeuomorphism.
I think you have misunderstood what "skeuomorphism" actually means.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sza Avatar
88 months ago
I can't wait to see how spams are going to look like in the new iMessage app...
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sandstorm Avatar
88 months ago
Cluttered and incredibly tacky. Wow.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
serialtoon Avatar
88 months ago
Wow there's a lot going on the messages app now. Some features are cool, but man it's so confusing and messy.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RedOrchestra Avatar
88 months ago
I'm applauding the NO iMessage for Android.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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