You can do amazing new things with the app you use most. In iOS 8, Messages has fun, useful, even surprising features that will change the way you think about messaging.
1. Share your location
“Where are you?” Answer that question more clearly than ever with a map showing your location. You can also share your whereabouts with people you choose for an hour, until the end of the day or indefinitely (this is great for keeping tabs on the kids). And you can see people in the message thread on a map if they’ve shared their locations.
2. Send a video quickly and easily
The new Messages app lets you share what you’re seeing almost as you’re seeing it. Quickly send a video of your baby’s first steps. Or your bestie singing Karaoke on her birthday. And it only takes seconds.
3. Take charge of group messages
Start a group conversation and give it a name like “Bridal Party” or “Road Trip”. Easily include who you want, drop who you don’t and leave the conversation whenever you want. Or turn on Do Not Disturb and then read through the messages when you have time.
4. Send audio clips
Messages in iOS 8 make it easy to capture any sound — your voice, a song or a big laugh — and make it part of the conversation. Simply touch and hold the new microphone button to record your message. Then swipe to send it.
5. Tap to see every attachment from a conversation
It’s simple to browse the photos and videos within a thread. You’ll see all the photos and videos going back to the very first exchange, without having to scroll through earlier messages.
6. Quick reply
If you’re using an app and receive a text message, you can reply without needing to exit from the screen. Swipe down on the notification banner that appears shortly after a message is received, then enter a quick response. Once it’s sent, you can continue using the app you were in.
