(Note: to watch a video demonstration, click on the video at the bottom)

Every year, Apple releases a new operating system for its iPhones and iPads.

The operating system controls the look, feel, and functionality of the device, along with its applications.

Apple recently released iOS 18, which brings exciting, fun, and useful new features!

 For an overview of all the new iOS 18 features, see my previous post:
iOS 18 Unveiled: A Look at Apple’s Game-Changing Features.

Messages is probably one of the most used applications on the iPhone and iPad, and with the iOS 18 update, it has gotten several exciting new features.

iOS 18 introduced new formatting and Tapback options. You can now schedule messages to be sent at a later time or date and even send and receive messages via satellite when Wi-Fi or cellular service isn’t available. Additionally, they’ve added Math Conversions and RCS support (see below).

These are game changers.

New Features in Messages to Enjoy in iOS 18:

 Formatting:

The overall look of Messages hasn’t changed much, but they’ve added enhanced formatting options such as bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough, similar to those in Mail and a few other apps. They’ve also added new Tapbacks (those quick emoji reactions to messages) and some fun new text effects.

The new text effects include Big, Small, Shake, Nod, Explode, Ripple, Bloom, and Jitter. These effects are dynamic, meaning they show motion.

While some effects are great, I personally would prefer the Big and Small effects to be static. (See the image on the right for a static portrayal.)

As someone who texts often, I’ve been waiting for these changes. Now I can really emphasize or downplay parts of messages to better convey emotions and meanings. You can apply these effects to an entire message or just one word. (See how to apply below.)

Instead of the original six Tapbacks, now you can use any of the emojis.

Note: The new formatting and text effects only work with devices running iOS 18 or above. Devices not yet running iOS 18 will receive a message that explains what effect was applied, e.g., “Reacted 👻 to ‘Call tree guys.'”

Scheduling:

One of the coolest new features is the ability to schedule a message to be sent later.

For example, if you want to let someone know about an upcoming event but you know they’re in a meeting or asleep, you can write the message now and schedule it to be sent at a more convenient time.

What’s especially convenient is that these messages live in iCloud, so if your phone is off or lost, the message will still send. And if you change your mind, you can edit or delete the message before it’s sent.

To schedule a message:

1. Write your message,
2. Tap the ‘+’ to the left of the message,
3. Scroll down until you see Send Later,
4. Use the scroll wheels to set the date and time, then
5. Tap the up arrow ⬆︎ to schedule the message.

Note: Once a message is scheduled, you can view, edit, or cancel it. (Please see the corresponding images below.)

Satellite Messaging:

Another significant update in iOS 18 is the Satellite feature.

Have you ever been stranded in the middle of nowhere, or maybe you’re just camping out in the woods, with no Wi-Fi or cell service, feeling completely helpless?

Apple introduced satellite service for emergencies in iOS 17, but with iOS 18, you can now send iMessages (including Tapbacks and emojis) to family and friends via satellite.

Messages via satellite only work when you’re off the grid and without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. When you go off the grid, you’ll be prompted to connect to the nearest satellite from within the Messages app.

 To try a demo:

1. Go to Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of your phone.
2. Tap the satellite symbol in the top left corner.
3. Tap Satellite at the bottom of the list.
4. Follow the instructions and explore the different options in demo mode.

A few notes about Messages via Satellite:

1. Remember, Messages via satellite only works when you’re off the grid and without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
2. The satellite feature only works on iPhone 14 and newer models.
3. It’s currently free, but only supported in the United States.
4. As always with iMessages, your messages are end-to-end encrypted.
5. Satellites are 800 miles in space, so raising your hand a few feet to get better reception won’t help!
6. Due to the distance and data load, satellite messages are slower than usual.

Math Conversion in Messages:

A fun little feature in iOS 18 allows you to write an equation in the message field, and as soon as you add ‘=’, it shows the answer.

Example: Type 76/3= and it will show 25.333.

RCS:

iOS 18 introduces RCS (Rich Communication Services) support in the Messages app. This means you no longer have to worry about the blue vs. green message bubbles when sending texts to non-Apple phones. You can now share higher-quality images and videos, see typing indicators, get read receipts, and enjoy better group messaging.

 Note: RCS is only available for devices that support it. You’ll see “RCS” dimly in the compose window if it’s available.

 Watch the video demonstration here:

NOTE:

iOS 18 is a free software update that’s already available. If your iPhone or iPad hasn’t updated automatically, you can manually update it by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, you will see it listed. You might need to scroll to find iOS 18. Click Update Now or Update Tonight and follow the instructions.

 Note: This update is only available for iPhone Xs and later. Some features may not be available in all regions, all languages, or on all iPhone models.