iOS 18 is coming, which we have rumored so much about in recent months and hand in hand with that, we know that an important iMessage update is being prepared together, which promises to transform the application and make it more competitive against WhatsApp.
The update will include several new features, improvements in artificial intelligence, greater compatibility with Android devices, and improvements in user security and privacy, among other things that we believe may be of interest to the general public.
So, if you want to learn a little more about the future iMessage update and how it will affect you, we invite you to stay with us for a while longer
RCS Integration
One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of support for the standard Rich Communication Services (RCS), which probably sounds Chinese to you, but it is a complement that has been with us for some time.
RCS is a protocol that improves the capabilities of traditional text messages, allowing the sending of multimedia, the creation of more robust group chats and the display of reading receipts, among other functions, but without depending on a WhatsApp-type program and that They “elevate” the functionalities of the old and almost extinct SMS.
This integration will allow better communication between iOS and Android devices, removing some of the current limitations on messages between these platforms.
Smart Replies and conversation summaries: AI comes to iMessage
Another notable feature is the introduction of smart responses powered by artificial intelligence, a novelty that rumored but not confirmed yet that would reach the iOS platform.
This feature will suggest quick and contextually appropriate responses to received messages, making conversations easier and faster, and will also include intelligent conversation summaries, which will provide an overview of the most important points discussed, making it ideal for users who want to quickly catch up. in group chats.
Although it is not something new (Copilot already offers it in Microsoft 365 if you use Outlook as an email client), The advantage is that it will be free, something that will be ahead of the Redmond company's suite that is paid.
New Reactions and Effects
To compete with WhatsApp and other messaging applications, iMessage will also add new reactions and message effects, which will allow users to express themselves in a more dynamic and personalized way, enriching the messaging experience.
The new reactions will include a wider range of emojis and animated effects, such as fireworks and confetti, that activate at specific moments in the conversation, much like the gestures that can be integrated into macOS in Microsoft Teams, which while not something essential, appreciated to have.
Security and privacy improvements: Signal trembles
Unfortunately for applications like WhatsApp whose encryption is based on Signal, Apple remains committed to privacy and security of its users, and this update is no exception.
In this iMessage update, additional measures to protect personal information and ensure communications are secure, and although Apple has not revealed all the specific details, the improvements are expected to include more robust end-to-end encryption and new privacy control options for users to make iMessage the most secure communications platform.
When will we get the new iMessage update?
The beta version of this iMessage update is expected in the coming months, but the first to enjoy it will be the developers and then it will be released for enthusiastic users to test the new features before its official launch.
But if we go to the full launch, we have to have September burned into our minds, coinciding with the usual presentation of new versions of iOS.
Pros and Cons of Updating iMessage: A Summary
Although on paper everything looks great and it doesn't look like it's going to be anything different, we think it's good to highlight the advantages that the iMessage update will bring, as well as some points of improvement that we potentially see.
Let's think that, with these improvements, Apple seeks to reinforce iMessage's position as one of the main messaging applications, competing directly with giants such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
And although the integration of RCS will significantly improve communication between iOS and Android devices, we cannot go so far as to say that it has just solved the compatibility problems between platforms.
In the end, if what you want is to use iMessage with improvements such as automatic reply suggestions, summaries, new reactions and animated effects, or even more continuous improvements in data protection and communications security, you'll have to have a phone with iOS for hell. That's great for anyone who has it, but for Android users it may not be worth the advantages of the app to make them migrate to the Apple system.
A limited beta at first
The other negative point that we see is that the beta will be limited initially, in which only selected beta users will have access to the new functions, which could generate impatience in the general public and a stir of rumors based on software that is immature, and that may give false expectations regarding what is to come. can be expected (or not) from the iMessage update.
In conclusion, we are certainly sure that the upcoming iMessage update with iOS 18 promises to introduce a number of innovative features and improvements that will position the application as a stronger competitor in the instant messaging space.
With the addition of RCS, new AI-powered tools, and a renewed focus on security, iMessage is poised to deliver a richer, more secure experience to its users… But will it be relevant enough to force Android users to migrate to iOS? Or will it simply be perceived as an “incremental improvement” to the experience of current iPhone users?
Time will tell the answer to these questions, but what we cannot deny is that the future of iMessage (at least on paper), looks pretty promising.