Within its larger unveiling of iOS 11.3, Apple today announced two new updates coming to Messages when the operating system update debuts this spring. First, there are four new Animoji characters that will allow iPhone X owners to become a dragon, bear, skull, or lion.

new animoji 11
This brings the total amount of Animoji available on iPhone X to 16. Just like the original characters, you can use the new Animoji to copy the movement of parts of your face with the iPhone X's TrueDepth camera, record a 10-second video clip, and send it to someone through Messages.

Second, Apple revealed a new customer support feature coming to Messages called "Business Chat." Apple said that this will be a way for you to text directly with a business within its messaging app, and will be supported by Lowe's, Discover, Hilton, and Wells Fargo, and select other companies at launch in the spring.

business chat
Besides support chat, you'll be able to schedule appointments and even make purchases using Apple Pay. Beta users will gain access to Business Chat ahead of the public launch of iOS 11.3.

With Business Chat, it's easy to have a conversation with a service representative, schedule an appointment or make purchases using Apple Pay in the Messages app. Business Chat doesn’t share the user’s contact information with businesses and gives users the ability to stop chatting at any time.

There are plenty of other details about iOS 11.3 to discover today, so be sure to check out our full post on the upcoming iPhone update, as well as Apple's announcement that iOS 11.3 users will be able to view their device's battery health and disable power management features. The company also shared information on a new "Health Records" section coming to the iOS Health app.

Related Forum: iOS 11

Top Rated Comments

Mike MA Avatar
99 months ago
Good to see Apple is continuing to put focus on the current pain point of iOS - the lack of emojis.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
newyorksole Avatar
99 months ago
Can you ask them about Messages in the Cloud?

Not sure why that is taking so long...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
now i see it Avatar
99 months ago
iMessage is turning into an iTunes.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Oblivious.Robot Avatar
99 months ago
1) House Targaryen
2) House Mormont of Bear Island
3) White Walkers undead army
4) House Lannister of Casterly Rock

I love this! :p

Attachment Image
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
EdT Avatar
99 months ago
I realize I’m not the market for Animoji’s but considering everything Apple has to fix or even get to market this shouldn’t be as high on their priority list as it seems to be.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Porco Avatar
99 months ago
They will have lions. They will have bears.

So what are clearly missing? Tigers. Oh my!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Complications

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Coming Next Week: Eight Reasons to Upgrade

Thursday September 4, 2025 7:38 am PDT by
We're only days away from Apple's "Awe dropping" fall event scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 9 – and along with the new iPhone 17 series, we're going to get a new version of the Apple Watch Ultra for the first time since 2023. By the time the Ultra 3 is unveiled, it will have been two years since the previous model arrived. The intervening period has left plenty of room for...