MacRumors

In iOS 10, Messages features creative tools to give users new ways to express themselves and communicate with friends and family. Additions include new bubble effects that change the way iMessage bubbles look, tapback reaction options for sending quick feedback on texts or photos, and screen effects that add fireworks, confetti, and more to the whole messages screen.

All of these tools are simple to use, but there are some hidden features and accessing them for the first time can be tricky, so make sure to check out our how-to for pointers.

Using Bubble Effects

There are currently four kinds of bubble effects that can be added to chat bubbles to impact the mood of a message: Slam, Loud, Gentle, and Invisible Ink. Each one changes the way a chat bubble looks when it's delivered to a friend.

Slam, for example, expands the size of the chat bubble and slams it down onto the screen, while Loud enlarges the chat bubble and makes it shake for a few seconds before it settles down.

Gentle, meanwhile, makes the text within the chat bubble tiny for a few seconds before it expands in size, and Invisible Ink, the neatest effect, fully obscures the look of the text in the chat bubble until a finger is swiped over it to unveil it.

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Apple today released iOS 10, the next major operating system designed for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 10 has been described as the biggest iOS update ever, with features ranging from an overhauled Lock screen interface to half a dozen new capabilities for the Messages app.

In addition to all the major changes, there are dozens of more minor but still significant tweaks that have been made to the operating system to make it feel entirely new, including individualized read receipts, the ability to hide stock apps, a new Wake Alarm in the Clock app, and more. Below, we've listed some of the most notable changes worth checking out.

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Related Forum: iOS 10

Apple is expanding the iPhone's photo editing abilities in iOS 10 with a new feature called "Markup" that lets you doodle, magnify, and place text on any picture you have within the Photos app. Thanks to Markup's flexibility, it could be used for both casually sharing photos with friends and family, and also to enhance and add detail to an image in an enterprise situation.

Markup is also available directly through the Messages app in iOS 10, adding it to the roster of inventive and colorful updates coming to text messaging in the new iPhone operating system this fall. In both locations, Markup is a bit buried and somewhat difficult to find, so follow these steps to discover the new photo editing feature in iOS 10.

Finding Image Markup in Photos

How To Markup 3

  1. Open the Photos app.
  2. Find the image you want to edit and tap on it.
  3. Tap the editing slider button.
  4. While in editing mode, tap the button that looks like an ellipsis within a circle and choose "Markup" from the popup menu.

Finding Image Markup in Messages

How To Markup 4

  1. Open Messages.
  2. Tap the contact you want to send the photo to.
  3. Tap the Camera icon to the left of the iMessage conversation box.
  4. Find the image you want to edit by taking a new picture, scrolling right to browse all your images, or scrolling left to jump into a vertical version of your Photo Library.
  5. Tap on the photo to place it in the conversation box, then tap on it once again within the box.
  6. Tap "Markup" in the bottom left corner.

Using Image Markup

In Photos or Messages, the editing features of Markup are mostly similar, although the former app presents a darker layout, while the latter has a lighter one. First, the feature lets you doodle on the picture you've decided to edit, with eight different colors and three different stylus thickness options to the right of the color dots.

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Related Forum: iOS 10

Apple CEO Tim Cook will appear on Good Morning America tomorrow, for what the show is calling a "wide-ranging and exclusive interview" with Robin Roberts at a school in Harlem in New York City.

In a minute long teaser clip shared on the Good Morning America Twitter account, Cook was asked about Apple's upcoming AirPods, where he alleviated fears that they're going to be easy to lose or will fall out of the ear.

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Cook says AirPods will be kept safe in the dedicated battery case and because there are no wires, there's nothing to pull them out of the ear. "I have never personally had one fall out since I've been using it," he said. "They're absolutely magical." He went on to explain that he's used them on the treadmill and when dancing, all without incident.

Good Morning America didn't share details on other topics Cook will speak on, but given the recent announcement of the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus and the launch of iOS 10, watchOS 3, and tvOS 10, we can expect to hear his views on those products.

Good Morning America's interview with Tim Cook will air on Wednesday, September 14, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

With iOS 10 now available to the public, there are hundreds of new Messages apps available in the dedicated Messages App Store. For the first time, we're getting a look at just what apps in Messages are going to be capable of, and it's more than a just a gimmick.

There are apps for all doing all kinds of things, from expressing yourself with GIFs and stickers, to sending song lyrics, sharing movie information, maps locations, weather reports, and more, plus there are even more in-depth tools for figuring out what restaurant to eat at, sending money to friends, and other conveniences that are sure to save you a lot of time.

In the list below, we've gathered up a handful of some of the most useful apps in the Messages App Store, so if you're looking to see what Messages apps can do, this is a good starting point.

Installing a Messages App

To install an app from the Messages App Store, tap on the "App Store" icon when in a conversation. From there, tap on the icon of four dots to open the app drawer, then choose the "+" button to access the store itself. The Messages App Store is similar to the iOS App Store, so choose an app and then tap on the price or "Get" to download it.

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Messages apps are usually installed automatically, but can be accessed in the App Store by tapping on "Manage" and toggling apps on and off.

Notable Apps and Games

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- GIF Keyboard (Free) - GIF Keyboard from Tenor is available as a Messages app, making it easier to insert GIFs directly into chat conversations. It features a create-a-GIF- option, trending GIFs, GIF categories for access to quick reaction GIFs, and a search tool.

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Amid today's glut of app updates for iOS 10, Niantic Labs updated popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go, adding some promised new features that should make the Pokémon-catching experience better.

New in Pokémon Go is a Buddy feature that lets users choose a favorite Pokémon as a buddy. The Pokémon acting as a buddy will earn candy after a certain distance is traveled, making it much easier to get candies for upgrading rare Pokémon.

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Today's update also fixes a few minor bugs and adds support for the Pokémon Go Plus accessory. Pokémon Go Plus is a wrist-worn device that's designed to let users discover Pokémon without the need to have the smartphone app open. It will be available starting next week.

In the future, Pokémon Go will be coming to the Apple Watch, as was announced at Apple's September 7 event. The Apple Watch app, like the Pokémon Go Plus accessory, will alert users when wild Pokémon appear, it will show information about hatching eggs, and send alerts when a Pokéstop is nearby. Pokéstops can even be accessed directly on the wrist without the need to open the Pokémon Go iPhone app.

Pokémon Go can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

iOS 10 officially launched today, bringing a revamped Messages App with a full Messages App Store and support for all new sticker packs, which are set to replace emojis as the must-have way to express yourself visually while chatting.

There are already several dozen sticker packs available in the Messages App Store and that number will grow to hundreds in a short period of time, so we've rounded up some of the best iOS 10 sticker packs that are worth checking out. All app links are links directly to the App Store.

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Wondering how to install sticker packs? Make sure to check out our how to.

Sticker Pals (Free) - Created by Impending, the team behind the adorable Hatch pet app, Sticker Pals features hundreds of animated stickers drawn by artist David Lanham. Focused around several characters, Sticker Pals is the most comprehensive sticker pack I've tested over the last several weeks, with an amazing art style and stickers to represent every emotion and action.

Since stickers can be layered, there's also a wide selection of wigs, glasses, and beards, along with emotive additions like hearts and explosions plus food, every day items, and more. There's even a built-in gifting feature for unlocking new stickers, along with extra packs available as in-app purchases. Impending has thought of everything, and as a free download, Sticker Pals is worth picking up.

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IconFactory (Free to $0.99) - IconFactory has created multiple sticker packs for iOS 10, ranging from dinosaurs and marshmallows to pixellated food, magic eight balls, poop, flowers, and chimpanzees. Some of the stickers in IconFactory's sticker packs are animated, while others are static. All of them have different art styles, but high-quality artwork is a common denominator.

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Related Forum: iOS 10

In iOS 10, the simple Messages app you're familiar with has transformed from a bare bones texting platform into a fun, interactive communication service that takes advantage of games, apps, drawings, stickers, message effects, and more.

Following in the footsteps of apps like Facebook and Line, Apple is delving into stickers in a big way, giving iOS users new ways of expressing themselves. Like the real thing, Stickers in iOS can be stuck onto messages or images, or sent by themselves, and they can be resized, rotated, and stuck to other stickers for fun layering effects.

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Apple recently removed the option to purchase Apple Store or iTunes gift cards by email from its U.S. website, eliminating the ability to buy e-gift cards.

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The option to purchase physical Apple Store or iTunes gift cards by mail remains on Apple's website, while both physical and e-gift cards remain available from third-party resellers such as Walmart and Staples.

Apple previously allowed customers to purchase digital gift cards and send them by email. The purchaser selected a card design and value, and composed a birthday wish or similar message for the recipient.

The change appears limited to the U.S. for now, as Apple continues to sell Apple Store and iTunes gift cards by email in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Update (September 16): Apple has restored the page for purchasing gift cards by email in the United States.

With a brand-new iOS operating system now available, many users are excited to delve into iOS 10's biggest and boldest changes, like an overhauled Messages app and a more personal space in Photos to relive past vacations and family get-togethers. However, before you even get to all of iOS 10's new features, you'll have to get used to its new lock screen mechanisms, which completely change the way the iPhone is unlocked moving forward.

iOS 10 brings about the first major overhaul to the lock screen since the iPhone launched in 2007, ditching the popular "Slide to Unlock" instruction on the bottom of the screen for a collection of new prompts that make it easier than ever take advantage of the lock screen. Prior to iOS 10, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus users in particular experienced some frustrations with the traditional method of unlocking the phone, as the faster Touch ID system would unlock "too quickly," causing users to miss notifications that might have been on the lock screen.


While slightly complex until you get the hang of it, iOS 10 streamlines this process so that you can still have your thumb placed on Touch ID when the iPhone wakes up via a new Raise to Wake feature on the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE, without immediately jumping past the lock screen. For more details on how to navigate the lock screen, interact with notifications, and unlock your iPhone, follow each set of instructions below.

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Related Forum: iOS 10

ios10softwareupdateIn a statement given to BuzzFeed's John Paczkowski, Apple says the issue that was causing iOS 10 updates installed over-the-air to fail on some iPads and iPhones has been resolved, making it safe to resume iOS 10 downloads.

"We experienced a brief issue with the software update process, affecting a small number of users during the first hour of availability. The problem was quickly resolved and we apologize to those customers. Anyone who was affected should connect to iTunes to complete the update or contact AppleCare for help.

Shortly after iOS 10 was released, a number of people who attempted to install iOS 10 using an over-the-air download saw their installation fail, effectively bricking devices until plugged into iTunes for an update or restore. For people who are not near a computer or who do not own one, this is a significant problem.

Users who were already affected by the problem will need to continue on with the restore process using a computer, but new users who attempt to install the update should not run into the problem.

Apple recommends creating a backup before installing any new iOS update, and those worried about having the install fail can instead download the update through iTunes, an installation method that has not been affected.

Apple today updated its iWork line of apps, including Pages, Keynote, and Numbers, for iOS 10. The new versions of the apps include a real-time collaboration feature, which is available as a beta.

With real-time collaboration, first announced on September 7, multiple users can edit an iWork document at one time using a Mac, an iOS device, or iCloud.com. Real-time collaboration allows all users to see what each person is doing inside the document, with multiple cursors and a list of document editors.

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Also included in today's update is a new formatting pane designed for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, support for wide color gamut (a feature coming in the iPhone 7), improved downloading, and enhanced keyboard navigation and keyboard shortcuts.

What's New in Version 3.0
- Real-time collaboration (feature in beta)
- Edit a document with others at the same time in Pages on Mac, iPad, iPhone, and iCloud.com
- Share your document publicly or with specific people
- See who else is in a document
- See participants' cursors as they're editing

- A new format pane takes advantage of the display on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- Improved downloading - Pages now downloads documents from iCloud only when you're ready to work on them
- Wide color gamut image support
- Enhanced keyboard navigation and additional keyboard shortcuts

In Keynote, there's an option to present a slideshow that users can follow along with from their Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iCloud.com, and there's a feature for highlighting with the Apple Pencil while presenting on the iPad Pro. Pages and Keynote also both feature support for opening and editing Pages and Keynote '05 documents.

Apple's line of iWork apps are free to users who have recently purchased a new Mac or iOS device. Otherwise, each iWork app for Mac is available for $19.99 while each iWork app for iOS is available for $9.99.

Pages for iOS - [App Store]
Keynote for iOS - [App Store]
Numbers for iOS - [App Store]

The new iOS 10 update, released today, appears to be causing problems for some iPad and iPhone owners who are installing it over-the-air. On the MacRumors forums, we're seeing multiple reports from users who have attempted to install iOS 10 and have had their devices put into recovery mode, requiring a restore.

ios10
It does not seem to be limited to a single device, but most reports from iPad owners are coming from those who have the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which has had trouble with new software releases in the past. Multiple iPhone models also appear to be affected, including the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6, and iPhone SE. From MacRumors forum member bit_bucket:

What the actual heck. iPhone just bricked itself as well. That makes 2 devices screwed up by the OTA update and I have to try and restore to the older version now. I do not jailbreak and I did not preinstall the update. Just installed for the first time now. Come on apple. Appears since I hit update right after it hit the servers, I somehow got a corrupt install.

Anyone else having these issues?

Users who have their iOS 10 devices bricked by the update may need to do an iTunes restore if the update fails, which will erase all data. Some users have had their iPhones updated successfully through iTunes after the over-the-air update has failed and haven't needed to restore, but it has not been successful for other users. Here's the message users are receiving:

There is a problem with the iPhone "iPhone" that requires it to be updated or restored.

The problem may be fixed by updating your iPhone, which preserves your settings and content. However, if updating doesn't work, it may be necessary to click Restore, which erases all settings and content. If you backed up this iPhone to this computer or iCloud, you'll be prompted to restore the backup onto the iPhone.

In light of the installation issues some users are facing, those who are concerned about their devices being sent into recovery mode and bricked should hold off on downloading the iOS 10 update over the air for the time being until more information can be uncovered.

It appears iOS 10 installs through iTunes are not affected, so that remains a viable method for obtaining the iOS 10 update today. Ahead of installing iOS 10, either over the air or through iTunes, a backup should be made.

Update: Apple has given a statement on the issue that caused the iOS 10 update to fail over the air, and says it has now been fixed.

"We experienced a brief issue with the software update process, affecting a small number of users during the first hour of availability. The problem was quickly resolved and we apologize to those customers. Anyone who was affected should connect to iTunes to complete the update or contact AppleCare for help.

Alongside iOS 10, tvOS 10, and watchOS 3, Apple today officially released Swift Playgrounds, a new app aimed at teaching both children and adults how to code through simple interactive coding exercises. It's meant to make learning to code "easy and fun" for everyone.

First announced in June at WWDC, Swift Playgrounds is meant for beginners who have no experience with coding, and it will be deployed in numerous schools around the world as standard curriculum.
Swift Playgrounds

"Everyone should have the opportunity to learn coding, and we are excited to bring Swift Playgrounds to the next generation of programmers looking for a fun and easy way to explore key coding concepts using real code," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "More than 100 schools around the world have already committed to adding Swift Playgrounds to their fall curriculum, and we can't wait to see what students create with it."

Swift Playgrounds is organized into a series of lessons that introduce new concepts and guide users through challenges and puzzles. It's centered on three characters that need to be guided through a graphical world using coding concepts like issuing commands, creating functions, performing loops, and using conditional code and variables. Apple plans to release new lessons on a regular basis.

The app also includes built-in templates that can be modified to create customized programs that can be shared with friends and family, and Swift Playgrounds code can be exported directly to Xcode to be turned into a full iOS or Mac app.

Swift Playgrounds is compatible with all iPad Air and iPad Pro models, along with the iPad mini 2 and later. iOS 10 is required to download the app, which is available for free from the App Store.

Apple today released iOS 10, the latest operating system designed for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, to the public. iOS 10 can be downloaded the iPhone 5 and later, the iPad mini 2 and later, the iPad 4 and later, and the 6th generation iPod touch.

The update is available on all eligible devices through iTunes or over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings --> General --> Software update. As with all major software releases, it may take a few minutes for the update to propagate due to high user demand.

According to Apple, iOS 10 is the "biggest release ever" for iOS devices, with major updates for Messages, Siri, Photos, Maps, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and the iOS interface.


iOS 10 features a redesigned Lock screen experience with 3D Touch-enabled notifications, a more easily accessible camera, and a widgets screen. A revamped Control Center also offers 3D Touch support along with new controls for music and HomeKit devices. Raise to Wake, a new feature for the latest devices, wakes up the iPhone without bypassing notifications.

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Messages has been entirely overhauled with new features like background animations, bubble effects, rich links, and Digital Touch, and there's even a full Messages App Store that can add almost unlimited capabilities to messages, from sending stickers and GIFs to making payments or placing collaborative dinner orders.

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A new Siri SDK lets developers build support into their apps, and a dedicated "Home" app gives users a central place to control HomeKit devices. Photos features impressive facial and object recognition capabilities, and a new Memories feature allows you to discover forgotten memories.

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Maps and Apple Music have both been redesigned with cleaner, simpler interfaces, with Maps gaining proactive suggestions and integrated third-party apps and Music gaining better content discovery features and a new focus on lyrics.

There's a new feature that lets stock iOS apps be hidden from sight, and the QuickType keyboard is smarter with new contextual predictions, including emoji predictions. Apple Pay is available on the web starting today, and Game Center has been largely eliminated.

For full details on the new features included in iOS 10, make sure to check out our complete iOS 10 roundup.

Update: Some users are reporting that iOS 10 has bricked their devices, so it may be wise to make a back up before upgrading or hold off on downloading the update for now.

Related Forum: iOS 10

Apple today released watchOS 3, the newest version of the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 3 is a significant update to the watchOS operating system, introducing an overhauled interface, new apps, new watch faces, and impressive performance improvements.

watchOS 3 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General -> Software Update. To install the update, the Apple Watch must have 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it must be in range of the iPhone. watchOS 3 is available for all Apple Watch models, but requires an iPhone running iOS 10 to install, which was also released today.

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watchOS 3 features a new dock that houses your favorite and recently used apps so they're quicker to access. Up to 10 apps saved to the dock are kept up to date at all times and are able to launch instantly, cutting down on app loading times.

Navigation is improved in watchOS 3, with left and right swipes able to change the watch face. Upward swipes bring up the Control Center, while a downward swipe opens the Notification Center. Pressing the side button brings up the new dock.


There are new Activity sharing features in watchOS 3, along with workouts and activities for wheelchair users. A new "Breathe" app guides you through daily deep breathing sessions to cut down on stress, and there are new Reminders, Find My Friends, and Heart Rate apps.

Three new watch faces are available, an SOS feature can automatically call emergency services, and an Apple Watch can be used to unlock a password protected Mac with new Continuity functionality. A revamped Messages app makes it easier to reply to incoming texts, plus there's a new "Scribble" feature for writing replies on the Apple Watch face with a finger.

For more details on what's new in watchOS 3, make sure to check out our full watchOS 3 roundup.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Apple today released tvOS 10, the latest operating system designed for the fourth-generation Apple TV, bringing a range of improvements that make it easier to locate and watch content on Apple's set-top box.

tvOS 10 can be downloaded over the air through the Settings app on the fourth-generation Apple TV by going to System --> Software Update. Those who have automatic software updates turned on will be upgraded to tvOS 10 automatically.

In tvOS 10, Apple has brought improved search, expanded Siri capabilities, a new dark mode, a Continuity option for using the iPhone for text input, automatic download of universal apps, and more.

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With tvOS 10, Siri is able to search for movies by topic, bringing up content around a theme like "high school comedies from the 80s" or "movies about dinosaurs," and a new Live Tune-In feature lets Siri go directly to a live channel in a supported app.

A Single Sign-On feature for pay TV apps that lets users sign in once with their cable credentials to access all live cable content included in a cable subscription was supposed to be included in tvOS 10, but it appears Single Sign-On was not included in the first version of the operating system and will be coming at a later date.

Third-party apps can do more in tvOS 10 with developer APIs for recording and live broadcasting, accessing iCloud Photo Library photos, using HomeKit, and developing games with more complicated controls that necessitate a game controller.

iOS 10 features like the Apple Music overhaul and the new Photos "Memories" feature have been ported to tvOS, allowing users to access the new Apple Music interface and view favorite Photos memories.


For additional details on what's included in the tvOS 10 operating system update, make sure to check out our full tvOS 10 roundup.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

newitunes122logoApple today released a new version of iTunes, iTunes 12.5.1, which is available for OS X El Capitan and macOS Sierra users. iTunes 12.5.1 introduces a new Apple Music design, bringing Apple Music on the desktop in line with Apple Music on mobile devices just ahead of the release of iOS 10.

The update also brings macOS Sierra-specific features including support for Siri, allowing users to ask Siri to play songs on machines running macOS Sierra, and it includes support for Picture-in-Picture, another new Sierra feature.

iTunes 12.5.1 can be downloaded immediately from the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store.

Now with an all-new Apple Music design which brings greater clarity and simplicity to every aspect of the experience.

This update includes support for iOS 10. It also adds enhancements designed for macOS Sierra including:

- Siri. Play music from your Library and Apple Music using your voice. Just ask Siri.
- Picture-in-Picture. Watch videos as you multitask and use different apps. Your video floats above your desktop in any corner of the screen.

While iOS 10 is being introduced today with an all new Apple Music experience that focuses on a cleaner look and easier to use interface, macOS Sierra will not be released until next Tuesday, September 20.

Tag: iTunes
Related Forum: Mac Apps