Apple iOS 14 Messages App Update: What’s New?

Apple recently unveiled iOS 14, the latest iPhone operating system, and announced the new and enhanced features it has. Some of these enhancements come in the form of improvements to the Messages app.

Here's a quick look at the new things that Apple added to the Messages app in iOS 14.

Message Filters

Apple has expanded the SMS filtering capabilities it introduced in iOS 13. Now, aside from being able to filter messages from unknown senders, the Messages app will also be able to categorize messages into several groups such as Known Senders, Unknown Senders, Promotions, Transactions, Promotions and Junk.

Pinned Conversations

iOS 14 now allows users to pin up to nine conversations to the top of the Messages app so they'll be able to see them before other messages. This will help users manage their conversations easily. Pinned group conversations also feature animated Memojis around the pin so that users will know of any activity.

Typing Indicators

Messages will now show typing indicators without having to open conversations. This means users will be able to see if someone is typing or sending a message at a glance. The indicators will also appear near the mouths of the people in the conversation so that users will know who is typing a message.

@Mentions

Messages now allows users to @mention other users to get their attention in the conversation. This feature, which has long been offered by other messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, also alerts users if they've been mentioned by someone in the ongoing conversation.

Inline Replies

As an addition to the new mentions feature, iOS 14 also allows users to send direct replies to those who mention them in the group. By typing the @name of a person in the group conversation, users will be able to send them direct messages privately.

Group Conversation Photos

Users can now add Group Photos for their Group Conversations so they can differentiate it from other messages at a glance. They can use Memojis, emojis or photos for the purpose.

Memoji Styles and Stickers

iOS 14 features new Memoji styles and stickers that users can use. These include new age options, face coverings, new hair and headwear styles and more.