iOS 16, the next major update to Apple’s mobile operating system, has a number of new features that developers and users can look forward to. One of the most important changes is the addition of message editing and deletion features. Previously, iOS only allowed users to add text messages as attachments. This limitation was limiting because it required users to use third-party applications such as Mail or iCloud to manage their messages. With iOS 16, however, Apple has added a new feature that allows users to delete messages without having to use any third-party applications. To enable this new feature, developers must create an app that takes advantage of the new Messages Deletion API. Once they have created an app that uses this API, users can select it in the App Store’s “My Apps” section and then press “Edit.” The app will then show a screen that looks like the one shown in Figure 1. Figure 1: The Edit screen for an app using the Messages Deletion API The first thing you’ll need to do is enter a name for your deletion feature. You can choose whatever you want but make sure it’s unique so other developers cannot create similar deletion features for their apps. After you’ve chosen a name for your deletion feature, click on “Create.” The Create screen will now appear in your app’s “My Apps” section (Figure 2). Figure 2: The My Apps section for an app using the Messages Deletion API You’ll now be able to enter a description for your deletion feature and decide how many messages you want to delete at once. You can also decide whether you want to delete all messages or just some specific ones. After you’ve entered all of these details, click on “Create.” The Delete button will now appear in your app’s toolbar (Figure 3). Figure 3: The Delete button in an app using the Messages Deletion API
Texting other iPhone users with iMessage has always felt like an instant messaging app. iOS 16 is adding a number of features to the Messages app that makes that even more apparent. Get ready to edit your mistakes.
First, you’ve probably sent a message with a typo before. It’s very easy to do—especially with Apple’s autocorrect. Starting in iOS 16, you’ll be able to edit those mistakes away. All you have to do is press and hold and select “Edit.”
Second, it’s never been possible to unsend or delete an iMessage from the other person’s phone. iOS 16 also adds an “Undo Send” option in the menu when you press and hold a message. The message will be removed from the conversation.
Lastly, messages are marked as read as soon as you open a conversation, but what if you can’t respond right away? Or do you want to be reminded of the conversation later? iOS 16 adds the ability to mark a conversation as unread, just like an email.
Marking a conversation as unread should work for iMessage and SMS, but editing and Undo Send are reserved for iMessage only. Look forward to seeing all of these improvements and more in iOS 16 later this year.
RELATED: Apple Will Revamp the iPhone Lock Screen for iOS 16
