iOS 18 to reportedly add new effects to iMessage, because there wasn't enough packed in there already

Ios 14 Messages Groups Inline Replies Mentions
(Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

iMessage is already pretty stuffed full of features as it is, but a new report suggests there's more to come with iOS 18.

That comes via way of MacRumors, which reports that users will gain access to new effects that would "allow you to animate individual words within a message", potentially with support via RCS messages, too.

As MacRumors points out, we can't currently format wording in iMessage with bolding, italics, or underlining, so that would be welcome - but the report can't confirm if that'll be possible.

It's worth stressing that these features would be different to existing options that affect the entirety of a message, like the fireworks or invisible ink options.

iOS 17 messages app menu on 15 pro max

(Image credit: Future / Apple)

Even more iMessage features?

While iOS 17 did tidy up the iMessage interface a little, there's a lot packed into Apple's messaging app.

While shortcuts for the Camera and Photos apps, to Stickers, audio messages, and sharing of location all make sense, you only have to tap the 'More' option to see a whole host of options provided by apps you have installed, be that from TikTok, Twitch, Google Maps, Zoom, or, in my case, an app I use sparingly when parking my car.

It'll be interesting to see how Apple folds in any potential new functionality into the existing OS, or if it could revamp things again - especially with reports of System Settings seeing a cleaner look.

iPhone 15 | $799 at Apple

iPhone 15 | $799 at Apple

An ideal place to start for iMessage, RCS functionality would mean you open up more options for chatting with your Android friends and their "green bubbles", too.

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Lloyd Coombes
Contributor

Lloyd Coombes is a freelance writer with a specialism in Apple tech. From his first, hand-me-down iMac, he’s been working with Apple products for over a decade, and while he loves his iPhone and Mac, the iPad will always have his heart for reasons he still can’t quite fathom. Since moving from blogging to writing professionally, Lloyd’s work can be found at TechRadar, Macworld, TechAdvisor and plenty more. He’s also the Editor in Chief at GGRecon.com, and on the rare occasion he’s not writing you’ll find him spending time with his son, or working hard at the gym (while wearing an Apple Watch, naturally). You can find him on Twitter @lloydcoombes.