In iOS 18, Apple has added several new features to its Messages app, one being the ability to add neat text effects to your messages to make them more expressive.

ios 18 text effects messages
The new animated text effects can be applied to your entire message, a single word, a phrase, or even an emoji or sticker. The options include Big, Small, Shake, Nod, Explode, Ripple, Bloom, and Jitter.

Here's how to add a text effect in the Messages app in iOS 18:

  1. Select the text, emoji, or sticker that you want to add an effect to with a double tap. (You can use the anchors to shorten and widen your selection.)
  2. Tap the "A" icon in the suggestions bar above the keyboard, or select the Text Effects option in the popup menu (tap the right chevron button to reveal it).
  3. Choose the text effect that you'd like to use.

messages

In a conversation with someone running ‌iOS 18‌ or a later update, the text or emoji that has an effect applied to it will continually animate when viewed. Note that these effects do not work on earlier versions of Apple's operating systems and won't show up at all.

Top Rated Comments

alexandr Avatar
22 weeks ago

Would be great if iMessage could somehow let us know if the recipient is using an older OS and won't be able to see what we send them. I hardly ever use these new effects or emojis because chances are they haven't upgraded yet. Whenever I have sent a new emoji in the past, I often got asked "What's that square?"
So you tell them — that square is you.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Getabeard80 Avatar
22 weeks ago
The keyboard/typing issues I’ve encountered in iOS 18 is out of this world. I thought it was just me getting old. Nope, tons of issues. Even while I’m typing this. Lag, odd key presses, weird auto correct anomalies, what appears to be stuck letters at times. UGH
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
robgreene Avatar
22 weeks ago
Bold/Italic/Underline should not be buried under text effects. As structured, they’ll rarely be used.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BigBlur Avatar
22 weeks ago
Would be great if iMessage could somehow let us know if the recipient is using an older OS and won't be able to see what we send them. I hardly ever use these new effects or emojis because chances are they haven't upgraded yet. Whenever I have sent a new emoji in the past, I often got asked "What's that square?"
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
neliason Avatar
22 weeks ago
The basic formatting might occasionally be useful. The dynamic text feels like a 2005 Internet forum feature.

The UI for this Apple went with looks horrible. It’s giant, boring buttons, with minimal spacing. It feels heavy. And the animations just keep going. It’s too busy and crazy.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kissmo1980 Avatar
22 weeks ago
I was considering going to a 16PM from my 14PM - but I believe 17 will be a drastic change - plus, Apple Intelligence might actually work by then.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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