7 Fun New Features of iMessage in iOS 10

iOS 10 is officially out and ready to downloaded. One of the biggest features is a big update to iMessage, Apple’s default texting app.

The Message app is undoubtedly one of the most used apps on the iPhone so Apple has added a bunch of changes in iOS 10 to make it more fun and personal. Many of these changes come in the popularity of Snapchat and are catching up to what social media platforms and messaging apps are doing.

However, there’s definitely some fun new ways to communicate with your friends now, so check out these 7 new features in iMessage:

1. Add a little flare

You can now add animated backgrounds to your messages such as balloons, confetti, and fireworks. Along with that, you can use “invisible ink” and your message will not show up on the recipient’s phone until they swipe their fingers across the message. This is good for sending spoilers so it is up to them if they want to read the message or not.

2. Digital Touch

Digital Touch was first introduced on the Apple Watch and is now available in iOS 10. With it, you can send heartbeats, doodles, and tap to friends and it will play out on the recipient’s screen.

3. Emoji Prediction

Along with the current predictive text, iOS 10 can now scan and suggest emojis to add to your messages. All you have to do is type out your message and then if applicable, you will be able to switch certain words out by tapping on the highlighted words.

4. Handwriting

When you turn your device to landscape mode, the keyboard turns into a pad where you can use your finger to draw out your message and send it as a picture.

5. Preview Links

Previewing links via 3D Touch is now possible so you don’t have to leave the app to view a website. Just lightly touch your finger to the screen and you’ll get a peak at the link.

6. Rich Links

Another big update to iMessage is support for rich links, which means a URL in a message will now grab images and headlines from the website and things like YouTube links will be playable from within iMessage. The fact that we’re just now getting this is sort of crazy, but it’s better late than never, right?

7. Sending cash over iMessage

Following along with what Facebook did with its messaging app, Apple has now included the ability to quickly send cash over iMessage. Usage of Venmo and Square Cash has increasingly become popular, but putting digital money right into your texting app will really bring it to the forefront.