I Tried All the New Features Coming to Messages With iOS 18 — Here’re the Top 10 You Should Be Most Excited About

Math Notes

One of the most intriguing updates is the new math notes functionality. Ever been in the middle of a chat and needed to do a quick calculation? 

Now, you can just type something like “5*5” in the message, and iOS 18 will give you the answer right there in the text box. 

It’s not just basic math either—currency conversion works the same way. Type “$100 to euros” followed by an equal sign, and you’ll instantly get the conversion without ever leaving your conversation. 

It’s a small feature that adds a big punch of convenience, especially for those quick, in-the-moment calculations.

Customize Link Cards

Next up is the ability to customize link cards. We’ve all been there—sending a link and wishing it looked cleaner or took up less space. 

With iOS 18, you can now tweak how the link appears, choosing between a compact card, just the URL, or the full preview as shown above. 

It’s a simple change, but it gives you control over how your messages look, which is a nice touch for keeping things tidy or making sure the most important information stands out.

Also: 10 brilliant Apple Reminders features that I use every day to get my life together and reduce stress

Schedule a Text Message With Send Later

We all have those friends who are night owls, always ready to chat late into the night, and then there are those who might not appreciate a midnight ping.

To keep everyone happy, iOS 18’s Send Later feature is perfect for sending that late-night thought without disturbing anyone’s sleep.

Here’s how you can schedule a message to go out at the perfect time:

1. Compose your message as usual.
2. Tap the More (+) button next to the compose window.
3. Select Send Later from the menu.
4. Choose the exact date and time you want the message to be sent using the time picker.
5. Tap the Send button (the up arrow) to finalize your schedule.

Once set, the scheduled message will be outlined with a subtle dashed border.

If you need to tweak the timing, just tap Edit above the message and select Edit Time from the options.

RCS Messaging

For years, iPhone users have been envious of Android’s messaging features, like read receipts and typing indicators when texting across platforms. 

With iOS 18, Apple finally added support for RCS, making iMessage and Android texting more cohesive. 

You’ll see those familiar ellipses when someone’s typing and you can even send high-quality images and videos without the usual compression issues. 

While some iMessage exclusives, like unsending or editing messages, remain, this is a significant step toward bridging the gap between the two ecosystems.

Text Styling and Animated Effects

For years, Messages lagged behind other Apple apps in offering rich text formatting, but with iOS 18, that’s no longer the case.

Now, you can spice up your texts with classic formatting options like bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough—finally giving you the tools to emphasize your words exactly the way you want.

In addition to these basics, Apple has introduced eight playful special effects that you can apply to individual characters:

• Big
• Small
• Shake
• Nod
• Explode
• Ripple
• Bloom
• Jitter

While some of these effects might seem a bit over-the-top for everyday texting, they certainly add a fun, expressive layer to your messages.

Also: 5 clever ways the iPhone 15 USB-C port makes it easier than ever to simplify your digital life

New Tapback Reactions

Tapbacks, those quick-response icons you use by long-pressing a message, are getting a notable upgrade with iOS 18.

The updated design now includes vibrant colors and finer details for the six standard icons, which are visible when you react or receive Tapbacks.

In group chats, you’ll also see who sent each Tapback, enhancing clarity. Additionally, iOS 18 lets you use any emoji, sticker, or Memoji as a Tapback.

After long-pressing a message, you can access the emoji response by either swiping left or tapping the thought bubble emoji icon at the bottom.

Messages Via Satellite 

Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite, first seen with the iPhone 14, has proven invaluable in dire situations. It allows you to send messages to emergency services when out of cellular range.

Building on this capability, Apple is now expanding satellite connectivity to regular texting.

If you’re away from Wi-Fi or cellular networks and have an iPhone 14 or later, your Messages app will prompt you to connect to a satellite.

The Dynamic Island will guide you in keeping the connection strong. You can send texts as usual, with features like emojis and Tapbacks fully supported.

To explore this feature, visit Settings > Apps > Messages > Messages via Satellite > Satellite Connection Demo, or test it out in a remote area.

Text Summary

Another handy feature is text summaries. Ever received a long text that you just didn’t have the time to read? Now, Apple’s intelligence will summarize the key points for you. 

If you want to dive into the full message, you can, but this tool gives you a quick overview—perfect for when you’re on the go. 

It’s a smart way to make sure you don’t miss anything important without having to wade through a wall of text.

Also: This new Files feature coming to iOS 18 will finally fix one of iCloud’s most frustrating issues

Apple Intelligence

And let’s talk about Apple’s new intelligence tools. These features are only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and newer models, and they really set those devices apart. 

The smart replies are especially useful; they provide quick, context-based responses that pop up right above the keyboard. 

For instance, if someone asks if you want to meet today or tomorrow, the suggested replies will be there, ready to send with a tap.

It’s like having a tiny assistant on your phone, helping you get through conversations faster.

Wrap Up

These are just a few highlights of what iOS 18 brings to Messages, making it more than just a way to chat but a hub of smart, efficient communication.

Apple continues to blur the lines between simple messaging and a more integrated, intelligent communication experience, setting the stage for a new era of how we connect with each other.

Let me know in the comments which new features you’re most excited to try out once iOS 18 becomes available this fall.