iPhone Air sells better than you might realize
The iPhone Air accomplished one of the goals Apple surely had for it. And the super-slim handset has found an audience among style-conscious buyers. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple’s next Sports app update improves MLB and NASCAR fan experience
Apple’s excellent Sports app for iPhone has a new version out today that includes two new features. Both MLB and NASCAR fans will appreciate the latest improvements. more…

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Apple’s MacBook Neo is the perfect AI computer
Apple's MacBook Neo is exceptionally well-equipped for the very thing tech companies obsess over these days: AI. With its powerful… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Instagram encryption U-turn leaves us all more vulnerable
Meta claimed for years that it was technically challenging to implement end-to-end encryption across Facebook Messenger and Instagram DMs, but back in 2023 said that it had resolved those issues. Unfortunately, the company has now made a U-turn on Instagram direct messages, and that’s bad news for all of us … more…

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The person who could be Apple CEO: Who is John Ternus?
All things considered, John Ternus is the center of speculation as being the best and most likely choice for control of the company. Who is he, and how did he get here?John TernusApple, like many other massive companies with giant workforces and a decades-long history, have to plan for the future direction of the company. Part of that preparation involves determining who will take control as CEO after the current leader departs, and what to do to prepare for that inevitability.For Apple and its aging leadership, Apple has to find its replacement for Tim Cook. Even though Cook probably won't be retiring in 2026, the sheer size and number of moving parts at Apple means it has to prepare now, so there's enough of a runway for the heir to the position to get ready, as well as the company itself, from 2027 onward. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Folding iPhone rumored to get new glass sandwich screen to prevent damage
Apple's quest to prevent damage to the iPhone Fold display has led it to a new design that will protect the screen from Apple's own hinge mechanism.A render of what the iPhone Fold could look like - Image Credit: AppleInsiderThe development of the iPhone Fold has been dominated by Apple ensuring it doesn't fall into the same trap as other devices in having screen crease issues. If a Monday claim is true, Apple is also protecting the display from the iPhone Fold's physical hardware, too.In a Monday post to Weibo, serial leaker Digital Chat Station claims that the display used in the iPhone Fold will go beyond using "self-healing glass" and a seamless hinge design. The structure of the display panel itself will also play a role. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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‘For All Mankind’ season five is a must-watch for fans of Apple TV’s original sci-fi series
Season five of “For All Mankind” lands on Apple TV this Friday. The new episodes are must-watch TV for fans of early seasons of the sci-fi series. The show goes from weird to gut-wrenchingly emotional to outright cinematic and suspenseful over the course of the first eight episodes. As a viewer, I can’t wait to see where this season’s finale takes us in this alt-history timeline’s future. After six years and five seasons, however, the challenge for “For All Mankind” is very clear. more…

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Broadcasters urge EU to tighten rules for Apple, other Big Tech firms in smart TV standoff
Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung’s smart TVs and virtual assistants should fall under the EU’s toughest tech rules because of their… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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It just got a little easier for iPhones to talk to Samsung phones
Macworld Following the surprising rollout of AirDrop support on Pixel phones by Google late last year, Samsung has announced that AirDrop support is coming to Galaxy phones too. The feature, which will work through Android Quick Share, will roll out to Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra phones this week and additional models at a later date. Like on Pixel phones, the feature will be off by default, and only works with AirDrop’s “Everyone for 10 minutes” sharing mode. This setting on iPhones allows all nearby Apple devices using AirDrop to communicate with your device for 10 minutes before reverting to “Contacts Only.” As with unknown iPhones, the user will need to select this option before receiving files from a Samsung phone. But otherwise, it will work in the same way, delivering documents and images wirelessly when the recipient accepts. While the feature isn’t a workaround, it’s also not officially supported by Apple. It relies on a technical loophole that allows AirDrop to function as a generic peer-to-peer network for a short time. While Apple could block the ability for Android phones to communicate with iPhones this way, that doesn’t seem likely. In the iOS 26.2 update in December, Apple seemingly gave the feature tacit approval by adding an additional layer of security when using AirDrop with someone who isn’t in your contacts list. AirDrop will show a PIN code similar to Apple TV pairing, which will allow the devices to communicate for 30 days before asking again. Besides, Google says the feature was built “with the same rigorous security standards that we apply to all Google products” and is “just the first step in seamless cross-platform sharing.” So iPhone users shouldn’t have to worry about any risks. So if you’re a Samsung user among a sea of iPhones, you’ll soon be able to easily share pictures and other files. But only if you ask first.

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Reddit CEO highlights a hidden benefit of Face ID and Touch ID
The tech industry is currently in the middle of a rather gradual security transition from usernames and passwords to passkeys. Passkeys are far more secure as online services don’t store your username and password, but Reddit CEO Steve Huffman says that the use of Face ID and Touch ID has an additional benefit … more…

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Cook praises Chinese developers as government presses for open App Store
Tim Cook has again spoken at the China Development Forum in Beijing, praising Chinese developers, but not quite getting the same praise back.Tim Cook speaking at the 2019 China Development Forum — image credit: CDFCook was in China in part for the concert celebrating Apple's 50th anniversary, but he also returned to the annual China Development Forum. He's previously been one of the few American CEOs to attend, and as spotted by Bloomberg, he once more used his speech to talk positively about Apple's relationship with China."Innovation, green development and education are not separate properties, they are deeply connected," Cook said during his speech. "They represent the vision of progress that we at Apple share, and we are committed to collaborating with our partners across China and with all of you to make that vision a reality." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The Lenovo Auto AI Box: Plug-and-Play Savior of the Modern Car
Lenovo’s Auto AI Box offers automakers a shortcut to in-vehicle AI, replacing complex in-house builds with a scalable, plug-and-play platform. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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What M5 Pro, M5 Max get using vertically-stacked dies for performance
Apple's chip designs for the M5 Pro and M5 Max stack the dies, using the same UltraFusion architecture that enabled the creation of Apple's Ultra chips. Here's how and why that's faster than before.M5 Pro, M5 Max - Image credit: AppleThe M5 Pro and M5 Max are very powerful chips, but getting that high performance required the engineers to come up with new ways to design the chips in the first place. In the latest releases, Apple actually borrowed an idea from its Ultra line for its M5 chip packing.Speaking to Heise Online in an article spotted by WCCFTech, Anand Shimpi of Apple's Hardware Technologies department explained that the UltraFusion architecture of the M2 Ultra and M3 Ultra helped create the M5 Pro and Max. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple has more plans to protect the the iPhone Fold display, says report
Early folding phones were notorious for the internal display being vulnerable to damage. Indeed, the first Samsung Galaxy Fold saw all pre-orders cancelled because of this issue. A new supply chain report suggests that Apple is adopting two further measures in order to protect the iPhone Fold display, as well as reduce the visibility of the crease … more…

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More pointers to John Ternus as the next Apple CEO
While everyone is careful to acknowledge that Apple CEO Tim Cook isn’t likely to retire imminently, and that the decision about his replacement hasn’t yet been made, there seems little doubt that John Ternus is the current heir apparent. An extensive new Bloomberg profile underlines this, describing both internal and external pointers to the company’s favored choice … more…

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Elaborate 50th anniversary party to be held at Apple Park
In what's probably the culmination of Apple's 50th anniversary celebrations, maybe we'll get to see Tim Cook dance again at a large-scale party now being planned at Apple Park.Apple Park is to host an elaborate 50th anniversary partyThe anniversary celebrations were started by Tim Cook writing an open letter about Apple's five decades, and since then events have followed in New York, China, South Korea, France, and Thailand. More are expected in the UK, Canada, and Australia, but probably the biggest one will be at Apple Park.According to Bloomberg, Apple is planning what's described as "an elaborate 50th birthday party" at its Cupertino, California headquarters. There are no further details in the article, and not even confirmed dates, but there is supposition that John Ternus will be center stage as the most likely next CEO of the company. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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12 hidden iMessage features every iPhone user should try
Macworld For many iPhone users, iMessage is the definitive communication app, an intuitive instant-messaging platform for texting and sharing media with friends and family. And it keeps getting better and better. Over the years, Apple has steadily expanded the service with support for new attachment types and add-ons, including dedicated mini apps. Yet many users stick to iMessage for basic texting, unaware of how much more it can do. If you’re looking to take your conversations to the next level, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with these hidden iMessage features. If you’re an iPhone user who mainly relies on iMessage for basic texting, this guide will help you discover features that go far beyond simple messages. If you want to save time, stay organised, or improve how you communicate, you’ll learn practical tools like scheduling, transcripts, and automations. If you’re curious about hidden or lesser-known iMessage features, you’ll uncover capabilities you may not have realised existed. And if you’re looking to make your chats more personal, expressive, or interactive, you’ll find plenty of ways to customise and enhance your conversations. What you’ll learn from this guide How to schedule iMessages in advance so you never forget important texts How to save time on voice notes with playback speed controls and transcripts How to use Check In for safety, sharing your location and arrival status How to translate messages automatically in multilingual conversations How to automate actions and replies using the Shortcuts app Plus a range of customisation and fun features (effects, backgrounds, games, handwritten notes) Scheduling This tip is useful if you forget birthdays or send late-night texts. iMessage lets you schedule messages up to 14 days in advance, making it easier to avoid unnecessary late-night texts or to ensure you don’t forget to reach out on an important special occasion. Hit the plus button, select Send Later, pick a date and time, and type your message. Once scheduled, iMessage will store the text in Apple’s servers and deliver it on the chosen day—even if your iPhone isn’t connected to Wi-Fi or 5G. If you suspect you’ll forget to send a time-sensitive message, schedule it in advance.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Checking In Here’s a tip for staying safe when travelling alone. If you’re heading home at night or taking a route through a sketchy area, it might be wise to use the built-in Check In app in iMessage to grant a trusted contact access to your location. With your permission, it will show them exactly which road you’ve taken and when to expect you to arrive at the chosen destination. It’s one of the lesser-known iMessage perks that can make you feel safer. Voice memo speed This is helpful when friends send long voice notes. You’re probably aware of the Audio app in iMessage, which lets you instantly record and send voice memos to express yourself. Sending voice memos can be fun and convenient. Receiving them, not so much. If you tend to receive long audio messages from your friends, and would like to save a little time while listening to them, tap and hold the play button to reveal 1.25x, 1.5x, and 2x playback speeds. Alternatively, you can hit the small arrow under the audio message to read an auto-generated transcript of detected speech. Listening to voice memos can be tedious. Speed things up and save time, or just read a transcript.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Translations To understand messages instantly and reply naturally use Translate. With remote work culture making it practical for digital nomads to work from the country of their choice, making foreign friends has become more common. iMessage accommodates multilingual conversations through its translation feature. Simply tap and hold a foreign text and tap Translate. If the entire chat is in a foreign language, you could alternatively tap on the recipient’s profile photo to view their contact card and enable the Automatically Translate toggle, then select a language from the 12 options. This will effortlessly translate the entire chat to your native language. Message effects You can make important messages stand out and convey tone clearly with this tip. iMessage supports bubble and screen effects, which animate texts you send on the recipient’s end. To mark a spoiler, for example, you could use the invisible ink effect, which conceals text and media. Likewise, you could release some balloons or confetti in the chat by picking the relevant effect when congratulating someone. All you have to do is tap and hold the send button and choose one of the listed effects. iMessage’s range of screen effects include a spotlight for added drama.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Text Formatting Format text to emphasise key words or points. For something a bit more subtle, you could opt for text formatting. Select the desired word(s) in the iMessage text box, and tap on Text Effects. This will reveal formatting options, such as bold and italics, along with less dramatic animations that don’t take over the entire screen. Automations Let your iPhone trigger helpful actions for you automatically. iMessage caters to power users through native integrations with the Apple Shortcuts app. You can program the system to run tasks automatically whenever a chosen contact texts you or you receive a specific keyword. To get started, head to the Automation tab in the Shortcuts app, create a new automation, and pick Message. Pick a sender and/or a keyword to trigger the automation, and go for the Run Immediately option to avoid having to confirm manually each time. You can then proceed to the next screen to choose the tasks iOS should perform whenever the automation is initiated. Conversely, you can create a reminder in the Reminders app and set it to alert you about a certain matter whenever you text a person of your choosing. Simply enable the When Messaging toggle in a reminder’s settings and pick a contact. Handwritten notes Make messages feel more personal and thoughtful. There’s arguably no text more personal than a handwritten one, and iMessage happens to support that. Open any of your iMessage chats and rotate your iPhone sideways. The default iOS keyboard will then reveal a concealed scribble button (the cursive loop at the bottom-right) exclusive to the landscape orientation. Write a note, or doodle a picture, and then hit send. Handwritten messages become possible when you flip the iPhone on its side.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Social heartbeat Demonstrate your emotions. If you’re looking to send an even more intimate message, you could share your actual heartbeat with an iMessage contact. Tap on the plus (+) button in a chat to reveal the list of installed iMessage apps and choose Digital Touch. Tap and hold with two fingers on the black canvas and release when you’re ready to send. With your permission, the feature will read and imitate your recent heart rate records and display an accurate animation on the recipient’s end. It’ll even vibrate accordingly if they’re wearing an Apple Watch. If you don’t use an Apple Watch or a compatible accessory that adds heart rate data to the Health app, you could still send a generic heartbeat animation using the same command. Multiplayer games Turn a passive chat into a shared activity. The Messages app’s usefulness extends beyond traditional texting. If you and a friend are bored, you could search the App Store for iMessage games and download a few that catch your eye. Once installed, you can launch the game using the plus button in an iMessage chat to initiate a round. Typically, iMessage games are turn-based, so you can make a move, send the session to the other party, and wait for them to reciprocate. It’s a fun, simple way to spend time with someone while apart. Conversation backgrounds A characterful background is just the thing for livening up a conversation.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Make chats easier to recognise at a glance. iMessage has become increasingly customisable, with chat backgrounds one of the most recent additions. To set this up, tap the contact card in the desired chat (the recipient or group name at the top of the screen) then select the Backgrounds tab. This will let you pick a photo, color mix, default pattern, or AI-generated illustration. It’s worth noting that chat backgrounds appear on both ends of the conversation, so your friend will see what you pick and vice versa. Name and photo sharing Make conversations feel more personal and trustworthy. Messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram have long supported profile photos and display names. This helps people identify you, especially when you contact them for the first time. iMessage recently adopted a similar functionality that updates your contact card on their devices. On the Messages app’s main screen, tap the Edit button in the top-left corner, then hit Set Up Name & Photo. You can then proceed to pick an avatar, poster, first name, and surname, along with adjusting the privacy settings of this feature. It’s an underused way to make your chat more “you” on your friends’ iPhones. So much for the positives. But if you’re having problems, you may next wish to read How to fix iMessage.

Read more »

12 hidden iMessage features every iPhone user should try
Macworld For many iPhone users, iMessage is the definitive communication app, an intuitive instant-messaging platform for texting and sharing media with friends and family. And it keeps getting better and better. Over the years, Apple has steadily expanded the service with support for new attachment types and add-ons, including dedicated mini apps. Yet many users stick to iMessage for basic texting, unaware of how much more it can do. If you’re looking to take your conversations to the next level, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with these hidden iMessage features. If you’re an iPhone user who mainly relies on iMessage for basic texting, this guide will help you discover features that go far beyond simple messages. If you want to save time, stay organised, or improve how you communicate, you’ll learn practical tools like scheduling, transcripts, and automations. If you’re curious about hidden or lesser-known iMessage features, you’ll uncover capabilities you may not have realised existed. And if you’re looking to make your chats more personal, expressive, or interactive, you’ll find plenty of ways to customise and enhance your conversations. What you’ll learn from this guide How to schedule iMessages in advance so you never forget important texts How to save time on voice notes with playback speed controls and transcripts How to use Check In for safety, sharing your location and arrival status How to translate messages automatically in multilingual conversations How to automate actions and replies using the Shortcuts app Plus a range of customisation and fun features (effects, backgrounds, games, handwritten notes) Scheduling This tip is useful if you forget birthdays or send late-night texts. iMessage lets you schedule messages up to 14 days in advance, making it easier to avoid unnecessary late-night texts or to ensure you don’t forget to reach out on an important special occasion. Hit the plus button, select Send Later, pick a date and time, and type your message. Once scheduled, iMessage will store the text in Apple’s servers and deliver it on the chosen day—even if your iPhone isn’t connected to Wi-Fi or 5G. If you suspect you’ll forget to send a time-sensitive message, schedule it in advance.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Checking In Here’s a tip for staying safe when travelling alone. If you’re heading home at night or taking a route through a sketchy area, it might be wise to use the built-in Check In app in iMessage to grant a trusted contact access to your location. With your permission, it will show them exactly which road you’ve taken and when to expect you to arrive at the chosen destination. It’s one of the lesser-known iMessage perks that can make you feel safer. Voice memo speed This is helpful when friends send long voice notes. You’re probably aware of the Audio app in iMessage, which lets you instantly record and send voice memos to express yourself. Sending voice memos can be fun and convenient. Receiving them, not so much. If you tend to receive long audio messages from your friends, and would like to save a little time while listening to them, tap and hold the play button to reveal 1.25x, 1.5x, and 2x playback speeds. Alternatively, you can hit the small arrow under the audio message to read an auto-generated transcript of detected speech. Listening to voice memos can be tedious. Speed things up and save time, or just read a transcript.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Translations To understand messages instantly and reply naturally use Translate. With remote work culture making it practical for digital nomads to work from the country of their choice, making foreign friends has become more common. iMessage accommodates multilingual conversations through its translation feature. Simply tap and hold a foreign text and tap Translate. If the entire chat is in a foreign language, you could alternatively tap on the recipient’s profile photo to view their contact card and enable the Automatically Translate toggle, then select a language from the 12 options. This will effortlessly translate the entire chat to your native language. Message effects You can make important messages stand out and convey tone clearly with this tip. iMessage supports bubble and screen effects, which animate texts you send on the recipient’s end. To mark a spoiler, for example, you could use the invisible ink effect, which conceals text and media. Likewise, you could release some balloons or confetti in the chat by picking the relevant effect when congratulating someone. All you have to do is tap and hold the send button and choose one of the listed effects. iMessage’s range of screen effects include a spotlight for added drama.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Text Formatting Format text to emphasise key words or points. For something a bit more subtle, you could opt for text formatting. Select the desired word(s) in the iMessage text box, and tap on Text Effects. This will reveal formatting options, such as bold and italics, along with less dramatic animations that don’t take over the entire screen. Automations Let your iPhone trigger helpful actions for you automatically. iMessage caters to power users through native integrations with the Apple Shortcuts app. You can program the system to run tasks automatically whenever a chosen contact texts you or you receive a specific keyword. To get started, head to the Automation tab in the Shortcuts app, create a new automation, and pick Message. Pick a sender and/or a keyword to trigger the automation, and go for the Run Immediately option to avoid having to confirm manually each time. You can then proceed to the next screen to choose the tasks iOS should perform whenever the automation is initiated. Conversely, you can create a reminder in the Reminders app and set it to alert you about a certain matter whenever you text a person of your choosing. Simply enable the When Messaging toggle in a reminder’s settings and pick a contact. Handwritten notes Make messages feel more personal and thoughtful. There’s arguably no text more personal than a handwritten one, and iMessage happens to support that. Open any of your iMessage chats and rotate your iPhone sideways. The default iOS keyboard will then reveal a concealed scribble button (the cursive loop at the bottom-right) exclusive to the landscape orientation. Write a note, or doodle a picture, and then hit send. Handwritten messages become possible when you flip the iPhone on its side.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Social heartbeat Demonstrate your emotions. If you’re looking to send an even more intimate message, you could share your actual heartbeat with an iMessage contact. Tap on the plus (+) button in a chat to reveal the list of installed iMessage apps and choose Digital Touch. Tap and hold with two fingers on the black canvas and release when you’re ready to send. With your permission, the feature will read and imitate your recent heart rate records and display an accurate animation on the recipient’s end. It’ll even vibrate accordingly if they’re wearing an Apple Watch. If you don’t use an Apple Watch or a compatible accessory that adds heart rate data to the Health app, you could still send a generic heartbeat animation using the same command. Multiplayer games Turn a passive chat into a shared activity. The Messages app’s usefulness extends beyond traditional texting. If you and a friend are bored, you could search the App Store for iMessage games and download a few that catch your eye. Once installed, you can launch the game using the plus button in an iMessage chat to initiate a round. Typically, iMessage games are turn-based, so you can make a move, send the session to the other party, and wait for them to reciprocate. It’s a fun, simple way to spend time with someone while apart. Conversation backgrounds A characterful background is just the thing for livening up a conversation.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Make chats easier to recognise at a glance. iMessage has become increasingly customisable, with chat backgrounds one of the most recent additions. To set this up, tap the contact card in the desired chat (the recipient or group name at the top of the screen) then select the Backgrounds tab. This will let you pick a photo, color mix, default pattern, or AI-generated illustration. It’s worth noting that chat backgrounds appear on both ends of the conversation, so your friend will see what you pick and vice versa. Name and photo sharing Make conversations feel more personal and trustworthy. Messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram have long supported profile photos and display names. This helps people identify you, especially when you contact them for the first time. iMessage recently adopted a similar functionality that updates your contact card on their devices. On the Messages app’s main screen, tap the Edit button in the top-left corner, then hit Set Up Name & Photo. You can then proceed to pick an avatar, poster, first name, and surname, along with adjusting the privacy settings of this feature. It’s an underused way to make your chat more “you” on your friends’ iPhones. So much for the positives. But if you’re having problems, you may next wish to read How to fix iMessage.

Read more »

12 hidden iMessage features every iPhone user should try
Macworld For many iPhone users, iMessage is the definitive communication app, an intuitive instant-messaging platform for texting and sharing media with friends and family. And it keeps getting better and better. Over the years, Apple has steadily expanded the service with support for new attachment types and add-ons, including dedicated mini apps. Yet many users stick to iMessage for basic texting, unaware of how much more it can do. If you’re looking to take your conversations to the next level, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with these hidden iMessage features. If you’re an iPhone user who mainly relies on iMessage for basic texting, this guide will help you discover features that go far beyond simple messages. If you want to save time, stay organised, or improve how you communicate, you’ll learn practical tools like scheduling, transcripts, and automations. If you’re curious about hidden or lesser-known iMessage features, you’ll uncover capabilities you may not have realised existed. And if you’re looking to make your chats more personal, expressive, or interactive, you’ll find plenty of ways to customise and enhance your conversations. What you’ll learn from this guide How to schedule iMessages in advance so you never forget important texts How to save time on voice notes with playback speed controls and transcripts How to use Check In for safety, sharing your location and arrival status How to translate messages automatically in multilingual conversations How to automate actions and replies using the Shortcuts app Plus a range of customisation and fun features (effects, backgrounds, games, handwritten notes) Scheduling This tip is useful if you forget birthdays or send late-night texts. iMessage lets you schedule messages up to 14 days in advance, making it easier to avoid unnecessary late-night texts or to ensure you don’t forget to reach out on an important special occasion. Hit the plus button, select Send Later, pick a date and time, and type your message. Once scheduled, iMessage will store the text in Apple’s servers and deliver it on the chosen day—even if your iPhone isn’t connected to Wi-Fi or 5G. If you suspect you’ll forget to send a time-sensitive message, schedule it in advance.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Checking In Here’s a tip for staying safe when travelling alone. If you’re heading home at night or taking a route through a sketchy area, it might be wise to use the built-in Check In app in iMessage to grant a trusted contact access to your location. With your permission, it will show them exactly which road you’ve taken and when to expect you to arrive at the chosen destination. It’s one of the lesser-known iMessage perks that can make you feel safer. Voice memo speed This is helpful when friends send long voice notes. You’re probably aware of the Audio app in iMessage, which lets you instantly record and send voice memos to express yourself. Sending voice memos can be fun and convenient. Receiving them, not so much. If you tend to receive long audio messages from your friends, and would like to save a little time while listening to them, tap and hold the play button to reveal 1.25x, 1.5x, and 2x playback speeds. Alternatively, you can hit the small arrow under the audio message to read an auto-generated transcript of detected speech. Listening to voice memos can be tedious. Speed things up and save time, or just read a transcript.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Translations To understand messages instantly and reply naturally use Translate. With remote work culture making it practical for digital nomads to work from the country of their choice, making foreign friends has become more common. iMessage accommodates multilingual conversations through its translation feature. Simply tap and hold a foreign text and tap Translate. If the entire chat is in a foreign language, you could alternatively tap on the recipient’s profile photo to view their contact card and enable the Automatically Translate toggle, then select a language from the 12 options. This will effortlessly translate the entire chat to your native language. Message effects You can make important messages stand out and convey tone clearly with this tip. iMessage supports bubble and screen effects, which animate texts you send on the recipient’s end. To mark a spoiler, for example, you could use the invisible ink effect, which conceals text and media. Likewise, you could release some balloons or confetti in the chat by picking the relevant effect when congratulating someone. All you have to do is tap and hold the send button and choose one of the listed effects. iMessage’s range of screen effects include a spotlight for added drama.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Text Formatting Format text to emphasise key words or points. For something a bit more subtle, you could opt for text formatting. Select the desired word(s) in the iMessage text box, and tap on Text Effects. This will reveal formatting options, such as bold and italics, along with less dramatic animations that don’t take over the entire screen. Automations Let your iPhone trigger helpful actions for you automatically. iMessage caters to power users through native integrations with the Apple Shortcuts app. You can program the system to run tasks automatically whenever a chosen contact texts you or you receive a specific keyword. To get started, head to the Automation tab in the Shortcuts app, create a new automation, and pick Message. Pick a sender and/or a keyword to trigger the automation, and go for the Run Immediately option to avoid having to confirm manually each time. You can then proceed to the next screen to choose the tasks iOS should perform whenever the automation is initiated. Conversely, you can create a reminder in the Reminders app and set it to alert you about a certain matter whenever you text a person of your choosing. Simply enable the When Messaging toggle in a reminder’s settings and pick a contact. Handwritten notes Make messages feel more personal and thoughtful. There’s arguably no text more personal than a handwritten one, and iMessage happens to support that. Open any of your iMessage chats and rotate your iPhone sideways. The default iOS keyboard will then reveal a concealed scribble button (the cursive loop at the bottom-right) exclusive to the landscape orientation. Write a note, or doodle a picture, and then hit send. Handwritten messages become possible when you flip the iPhone on its side.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Social heartbeat Demonstrate your emotions. If you’re looking to send an even more intimate message, you could share your actual heartbeat with an iMessage contact. Tap on the plus (+) button in a chat to reveal the list of installed iMessage apps and choose Digital Touch. Tap and hold with two fingers on the black canvas and release when you’re ready to send. With your permission, the feature will read and imitate your recent heart rate records and display an accurate animation on the recipient’s end. It’ll even vibrate accordingly if they’re wearing an Apple Watch. If you don’t use an Apple Watch or a compatible accessory that adds heart rate data to the Health app, you could still send a generic heartbeat animation using the same command. Multiplayer games Turn a passive chat into a shared activity. The Messages app’s usefulness extends beyond traditional texting. If you and a friend are bored, you could search the App Store for iMessage games and download a few that catch your eye. Once installed, you can launch the game using the plus button in an iMessage chat to initiate a round. Typically, iMessage games are turn-based, so you can make a move, send the session to the other party, and wait for them to reciprocate. It’s a fun, simple way to spend time with someone while apart. Conversation backgrounds A characterful background is just the thing for livening up a conversation.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Make chats easier to recognise at a glance. iMessage has become increasingly customisable, with chat backgrounds one of the most recent additions. To set this up, tap the contact card in the desired chat (the recipient or group name at the top of the screen) then select the Backgrounds tab. This will let you pick a photo, color mix, default pattern, or AI-generated illustration. It’s worth noting that chat backgrounds appear on both ends of the conversation, so your friend will see what you pick and vice versa. Name and photo sharing Make conversations feel more personal and trustworthy. Messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram have long supported profile photos and display names. This helps people identify you, especially when you contact them for the first time. iMessage recently adopted a similar functionality that updates your contact card on their devices. On the Messages app’s main screen, tap the Edit button in the top-left corner, then hit Set Up Name & Photo. You can then proceed to pick an avatar, poster, first name, and surname, along with adjusting the privacy settings of this feature. It’s an underused way to make your chat more “you” on your friends’ iPhones. So much for the positives. But if you’re having problems, you may next wish to read How to fix iMessage.

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12 hidden iMessage features every iPhone user should try
Macworld For many iPhone users, iMessage is the definitive communication app, an intuitive instant-messaging platform for texting and sharing media with friends and family. And it keeps getting better and better. Over the years, Apple has steadily expanded the service with support for new attachment types and add-ons, including dedicated mini apps. Yet many users stick to iMessage for basic texting, unaware of how much more it can do. If you’re looking to take your conversations to the next level, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with these hidden iMessage features. If you’re an iPhone user who mainly relies on iMessage for basic texting, this guide will help you discover features that go far beyond simple messages. If you want to save time, stay organised, or improve how you communicate, you’ll learn practical tools like scheduling, transcripts, and automations. If you’re curious about hidden or lesser-known iMessage features, you’ll uncover capabilities you may not have realised existed. And if you’re looking to make your chats more personal, expressive, or interactive, you’ll find plenty of ways to customise and enhance your conversations. What you’ll learn from this guide How to schedule iMessages in advance so you never forget important texts How to save time on voice notes with playback speed controls and transcripts How to use Check In for safety, sharing your location and arrival status How to translate messages automatically in multilingual conversations How to automate actions and replies using the Shortcuts app Plus a range of customisation and fun features (effects, backgrounds, games, handwritten notes) Scheduling This tip is useful if you forget birthdays or send late-night texts. iMessage lets you schedule messages up to 14 days in advance, making it easier to avoid unnecessary late-night texts or to ensure you don’t forget to reach out on an important special occasion. Hit the plus button, select Send Later, pick a date and time, and type your message. Once scheduled, iMessage will store the text in Apple’s servers and deliver it on the chosen day—even if your iPhone isn’t connected to Wi-Fi or 5G. If you suspect you’ll forget to send a time-sensitive message, schedule it in advance.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Checking In Here’s a tip for staying safe when travelling alone. If you’re heading home at night or taking a route through a sketchy area, it might be wise to use the built-in Check In app in iMessage to grant a trusted contact access to your location. With your permission, it will show them exactly which road you’ve taken and when to expect you to arrive at the chosen destination. It’s one of the lesser-known iMessage perks that can make you feel safer. Voice memo speed This is helpful when friends send long voice notes. You’re probably aware of the Audio app in iMessage, which lets you instantly record and send voice memos to express yourself. Sending voice memos can be fun and convenient. Receiving them, not so much. If you tend to receive long audio messages from your friends, and would like to save a little time while listening to them, tap and hold the play button to reveal 1.25x, 1.5x, and 2x playback speeds. Alternatively, you can hit the small arrow under the audio message to read an auto-generated transcript of detected speech. Listening to voice memos can be tedious. Speed things up and save time, or just read a transcript.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Translations To understand messages instantly and reply naturally use Translate. With remote work culture making it practical for digital nomads to work from the country of their choice, making foreign friends has become more common. iMessage accommodates multilingual conversations through its translation feature. Simply tap and hold a foreign text and tap Translate. If the entire chat is in a foreign language, you could alternatively tap on the recipient’s profile photo to view their contact card and enable the Automatically Translate toggle, then select a language from the 12 options. This will effortlessly translate the entire chat to your native language. Message effects You can make important messages stand out and convey tone clearly with this tip. iMessage supports bubble and screen effects, which animate texts you send on the recipient’s end. To mark a spoiler, for example, you could use the invisible ink effect, which conceals text and media. Likewise, you could release some balloons or confetti in the chat by picking the relevant effect when congratulating someone. All you have to do is tap and hold the send button and choose one of the listed effects. iMessage’s range of screen effects include a spotlight for added drama.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Text Formatting Format text to emphasise key words or points. For something a bit more subtle, you could opt for text formatting. Select the desired word(s) in the iMessage text box, and tap on Text Effects. This will reveal formatting options, such as bold and italics, along with less dramatic animations that don’t take over the entire screen. Automations Let your iPhone trigger helpful actions for you automatically. iMessage caters to power users through native integrations with the Apple Shortcuts app. You can program the system to run tasks automatically whenever a chosen contact texts you or you receive a specific keyword. To get started, head to the Automation tab in the Shortcuts app, create a new automation, and pick Message. Pick a sender and/or a keyword to trigger the automation, and go for the Run Immediately option to avoid having to confirm manually each time. You can then proceed to the next screen to choose the tasks iOS should perform whenever the automation is initiated. Conversely, you can create a reminder in the Reminders app and set it to alert you about a certain matter whenever you text a person of your choosing. Simply enable the When Messaging toggle in a reminder’s settings and pick a contact. Handwritten notes Make messages feel more personal and thoughtful. There’s arguably no text more personal than a handwritten one, and iMessage happens to support that. Open any of your iMessage chats and rotate your iPhone sideways. The default iOS keyboard will then reveal a concealed scribble button (the cursive loop at the bottom-right) exclusive to the landscape orientation. Write a note, or doodle a picture, and then hit send. Handwritten messages become possible when you flip the iPhone on its side.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Social heartbeat Demonstrate your emotions. If you’re looking to send an even more intimate message, you could share your actual heartbeat with an iMessage contact. Tap on the plus (+) button in a chat to reveal the list of installed iMessage apps and choose Digital Touch. Tap and hold with two fingers on the black canvas and release when you’re ready to send. With your permission, the feature will read and imitate your recent heart rate records and display an accurate animation on the recipient’s end. It’ll even vibrate accordingly if they’re wearing an Apple Watch. If you don’t use an Apple Watch or a compatible accessory that adds heart rate data to the Health app, you could still send a generic heartbeat animation using the same command. Multiplayer games Turn a passive chat into a shared activity. The Messages app’s usefulness extends beyond traditional texting. If you and a friend are bored, you could search the App Store for iMessage games and download a few that catch your eye. Once installed, you can launch the game using the plus button in an iMessage chat to initiate a round. Typically, iMessage games are turn-based, so you can make a move, send the session to the other party, and wait for them to reciprocate. It’s a fun, simple way to spend time with someone while apart. Conversation backgrounds A characterful background is just the thing for livening up a conversation.Mahmoud Itani / Foundry Make chats easier to recognise at a glance. iMessage has become increasingly customisable, with chat backgrounds one of the most recent additions. To set this up, tap the contact card in the desired chat (the recipient or group name at the top of the screen) then select the Backgrounds tab. This will let you pick a photo, color mix, default pattern, or AI-generated illustration. It’s worth noting that chat backgrounds appear on both ends of the conversation, so your friend will see what you pick and vice versa. Name and photo sharing Make conversations feel more personal and trustworthy. Messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram have long supported profile photos and display names. This helps people identify you, especially when you contact them for the first time. iMessage recently adopted a similar functionality that updates your contact card on their devices. On the Messages app’s main screen, tap the Edit button in the top-left corner, then hit Set Up Name & Photo. You can then proceed to pick an avatar, poster, first name, and surname, along with adjusting the privacy settings of this feature. It’s an underused way to make your chat more “you” on your friends’ iPhones. So much for the positives. But if you’re having problems, you may next wish to read How to fix iMessage.

Read more »