With the release of iOS 18 Beta on July 15, Apple has introduced a slew of new features for those eager to test the latest updates. This beta version, which follows the announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference, includes exciting text effects and formatting options designed to make your messages more engaging.
The new features allow you to add bold text or even make it explode with visual effects. This provides a way to highlight key points in your messages with flair, moving beyond the old method of using all caps for emphasis. It’s perfect for those moments when you want your words to have a bit of pizzazz.
Given that iOS 18 is still in beta, it’s best to install it on a secondary device rather than your main one. Beta software can come with glitches and may affect battery performance, so keeping it on a less critical device will help avoid potential disruptions. Personally, I’ve put the beta on my iPhone XR to prevent any issues on my primary iPhone 14 Pro.
The official release of iOS 18 is slated for this fall, but no specific date has been set. Meanwhile, here’s how you can start using the new text effects:
Accessing Text Effects:
- Open Messages.
- Tap on a chat.
- Tap the text box.
- Tap the “A” with dashes above the keyboard.
From there, you can choose from formatting options like bold, italics, underline, and strike-through, as well as effects such as Big, Small, Shake, Nod, Explode, Ripple, Bloom, and Jitter. While you can mix and match formatting options, only one text effect can be applied at a time. For example, applying the Big effect will override any other formatting like bold.
Effects like Ripple are especially useful for conveying sarcasm, adding a new layer of expression to your texts. Keep in mind that selecting text effects will automatically bring up the keyboard, but if you opt for formatting options, you’ll need to tap the text box again.
Applying Multiple Text Effects:
- Open Messages.
- Tap on a chat.
- Tap the text box.
- Write your message.
- Highlight the text you want to affect.
- Tap the “A” with dashes above the keyboard.
- Choose the formatting or text effect you wish to apply.
You can apply different effects to different sections of your message, allowing for creative combinations. So go ahead and experiment with these new features to make your texts as dynamic as your conversations!