Shout it Out with Joy: iOS 18 Unleashes Exciting Text Effects in iMessage!
Sometimes, all caps just don’t cut it. You need something more, something that screams “I’m excited!” or “This is important!” or even “I’m just trying to be funny.” Enter iOS 18, Apple’s latest update, which brings a whole new level of expressiveness to iMessage with text effects.
Apple released the first public beta of iOS 18 on July 15th, and it’s packed with new features, including RCS messaging and customizable home screens. But for those of us who love a little flair in our texting, the text effects are the real game-changer.
These text effects go beyond simple bolding or italics. You can make your words explode, shake, nod, even ripple like a pond. You can use these effects on single words or phrases to add emphasis and personality to your messages. It’s like having a mini-animation studio right in your pocket.
Read more: iOS 18 has been downloaded, here is a list of iPhones eligible for the update.
Remember, iOS 18 is still in beta, so it’s best to download it on a secondary device. There might be bugs, and battery life could be shorter than usual. But if you’re eager to try out the new text effects, it’s worth the risk.
Apple hasn’t announced a firm release date for iOS 18, but they’ve said it will be available to the public this fall. In the meantime, let’s dive into how to make your texts as expressive as you are.
How to Access Text Effects in iOS 18
James Martin/CNETIt’s easy to add some pizzazz to your messages. Here’s how:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap on a chat.
- Tap the text box to bring up the keyboard.
- Tap the “A” with dashes on its left side (it’s located above the “P” on the keyboard).
This opens the text effects menu. At the top, you’ll find formatting options like bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough. Below that, you’ll see eight different text effects: Big, Small, Shake, Nod, Explode, Ripple, Bloom, and Jitter.
You can combine formatting options, but you can only use one text effect at a time. And be warned: text effects will clear any formatting you’ve already applied. So, you can’t bold your message and then make it explode. It’s one or the other, my friend.
Each effect has its own personality. Ripple, for example, is perfect for sarcasm, especially when used on a word like “really.” Experiment and find the effects that best suit your style.
One thing to note: after applying formatting options, you’ll need to tap the text box again to bring back your keyboard. But after selecting a text effect, your keyboard will automatically reappear.
Using Multiple Text Effects in a Single Message
While you can only use one text effect at a time, you can apply multiple effects within a single message. Here’s how:
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap on a chat.
- Tap the text box.
- Write your message in full.
- Highlight the word or words you want to add an effect to.
- Tap the “A” with dashes on its left side (above the “P” on the keyboard).
- Tap the formatting option or text effect you want to use.
The formatting or text effect will be applied to the highlighted text. You can then highlight and apply further formatting or effects to other words in the message. You could potentially use all the text effects in a single message if you’re feeling extra creative. Go wild!
For more on iOS 18, check out my hands-on experience with the first public beta, learn about RCS messaging, and discover how to customize your home screen. Get ready to express yourself like never before!
