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The iPhone Messages app will soon look a bit different with Apple’s latest iOS update.
Apple’s soon-to-be released iOS 27 comes with an overhaul of the Messages app, including AI overviews for lengthy texts, one-tap suggestions, like adding a coffee date directly to the Calendar app; and the ability to turn off speech-to-text.
Although the updates were initially announced by Apple during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference last month and iOS27 won’t be available for download until September, beta testing is available now for users who enroll in Apple’s Beta Software Program. The program provides users with early access to updates.
Many of the updates are powered by the newly revealed Siri AI, an expanded Siri that relies on Apple Intelligence, the tech giant’s AI software.
Here’s a closer look at what updates you can expect on the iPhones Messages app with iOS 27.
iPhone Messsages app updates coming with iOS 27
Message previews
With the help of Siri AI, iOS 27 provides previews of longer text messages.
One-tap suggestions
iOS 27 offers several new one-tap suggestions in the Messages app, powered by Siri AI.
According to the Apple website, users can, from a text chain:
- Call a person mentioned in a text message
- Create an event in the Calendar app based on discussed plans
- Create a note in the Notes app based on a message
- Send an email through the Mail app
- Save a shared photo
- Take and send a photo
These suggestions may appear right under the relevant text message or at the top of the keyboard when typing a reply.
Siri can write texts in your voice
In addition to a slew of features across the entire iPhone, Siri AI can draft text messages in a user’s voice based on previous correspondence with a recipient, Sebastien Marineau-Mes, Apple vice president of software engineering, said during WWDC in early June.
Sending a text to your boss and typically use short, concise language? Siri AI is able to pick up on this trend and craft a similar message.
Upgrades for texting non-iPhone users
iOS 27 also supports RCS 2.7 standard, the latest specifications for RCS messaging. These standards, which apply to the message experience with non-iPhone users, were released by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association in 2024.
Here’s a closer look at these upgrades for texting green bubble friends:
- In-line replies
- Message reactions. If reacting to a message, a non-iPhone user will no longer receive the message, “(User name) loved an image.” Instead, the heart emoji will appear.
- Ability to edit and delete messages
Send and receive digital drawings
iOS 27 also presents a new way for users to send and receive digital drawings through a dedicated Drawing feature, available in the extra options menu. The feature is the same that has been available in the Notes app, allowing users to choose from several different drawing tools, like a marker and highlighter. Users can also add text, shapes, stickers and signatures to drawings.
Text message drawings aren’t new to iPhone. Apple launched Digital Touch to iPhones in 2014, allowing users to send animated sketches, taps and kisses to others. Digital Touch remains available with iOS 27.
New sending progress bar
The Messages app also features a new progress bar when sending messages, photos, voice memos and other items.
The progress bar was formerly located at the top of the Messages app, under the recipient’s name, and the new bar is located under the sending item.
Ability to disable speech-to-text
Users uninterested in speech-to-text within the Messages app can disable the audio button with iOS 27:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and click Apps.
- Scroll to or search for Messages.
- Click Show in Text Field.
- Click None to disable the audio button feature.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].
