So far, the main focus of iOS 15 has been on the new features in FaceTime - admittedly, they are also brilliant. But iMessage has also undergone a major update.
Under iOS 15, iMessage should also be particularly interesting for many users. For example, Apple has integrated a new "Shared with you" function and improved some interface elements to make the messaging experience more pleasant. Below we have summarized all the new features in iMessage under iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
iMessage – Shared with you
The most important new feature in the Messages app is the so-called “Shared with you” feature. Apple applying the feature as follows:
The links, images, and other content shared with you in Messages now appear in the new "Shared with you" section in the respective app. You can even reply directly from the app you're in - without opening Messages.
So, for example, if someone sends a photo, it will appear in a "Shared with You" section in the Photos app. This isn't a Messages-only integration, as other apps have this new section as well. But it does make Messages content much more accessible and less likely to be forgotten. There are several "Shared with You" integrations, as described below. We've listed all of the "Shared with You" integrations below.
- Photos - When someone sends you a photo in Messages, it automatically appears in the Shared with You section of the Photos app, which is under For You. Tapping a picture lets you save it to your photo library, with a record of who sent it. Tapping the name of the person who sent it automatically opens the Messages app so you can start a conversation.
- Safari - Any link sent to you from Safari is saved in the "Shared with you" section of the home page that opens when you open a new tab. Safari displays a preview of the link so you can see what it is about, which helps you decide whether or not to open the website.
- Apple News - A link to an Apple News story sent to you is stored in the "Shared with you" section, which is located in the "Today" and "Following" tabs in Apple News. Stories you find in News and Safari will appear under "Shared with you" in both apps. (Currently not of interest here as we still don't have access to Apple News.)
- Apple Music – Music links sent in messages will appear in the “Shared with you” section in Apple Music. The section has been moved to “Listen Now.”
- Apple Podcasts – When you receive an episode of a podcast or a link to a show, it will appear in the Shared with You section under Listen Now in the Apple Podcasts app.
- Apple TV app – When a friend sends a movie or TV show link through Messages, the content will appear in the Shared with You section under Watch Now so you can find it quickly and easily.
Shared with you - Continue conversations
In all apps that have a Shared with You section, content in those sections will clearly indicate who sent it to you. There are name labels you can tap to go directly to the Messages app so you can have a conversation about what was shared. Tapping the name label of an item shared with you will also open the associated message so you can see the original conversation.
iOS 15: Shared with you – Pin content
When someone shares something you don't want to forget, like a photo or a link, you can long-press it to select the "pin" option. Pinned items appear first in Shared with you, in message search, and in the details view of a message conversation.
photo collages
Multiple images sent in the Messages app are now presented as a small photo collage of images stacked on top of each other. You can tap and swipe through the collage to see each image in the stack individually. You can tap in the top left of the full-screen view to see all images in a grid view. There are also quick access tools to reply, add a Tapback reply, download an image, or share it.
Improved photo storage
All images you receive in the Messages app have a little download icon that you can tap to save them. This makes it much easier to save a photo that is sent to you to the photo library on your device.
New Memoji and Memoji stickers
Memoji, used in the Messages and FaceTime apps, have been updated in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 with 40 new outfit options, an ability to choose two different eye colors, new glasses, new headgear, and new accessibility options that include cochlear implants, oxygen tubes, and a soft helmet. Apple has also added nine new Memoji stickers, such as hand wave and lightbulb moment, heart hands, and more.
Other News Tweaks
- Access group messages in FaceTime – In FaceTime, there is an option to access a group message thread with the people you are currently talking to.
- Focus message status – If you have Focus Mode enabled and someone tries to send you an iMessage, they will see a status update letting them know you are in Focus Mode. Friends and family can bypass the message in Focus Mode with an urgency flag.
- Messages Photo Search – When you search using a contact name, you can use Spotlight to find photos that person has sent you.
- Announce messages in CarPlay – Siri can now announce your incoming messages in CarPlay.
Both iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 and Co. are currently available in beta for developers and regular users who are registered in the Apple Beta Software Program. According to Apple, the final versions of these updates will be released in the fall as usual. (Photo by Denys Prykhodov / Bigstockphoto)
