With out fail, one factor at all times occurs throughout the iOS phase at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Convention (WWDC): I’ve a second the place I need extra folks I do know to personal an iPhone and use iMessage as a result of it at all times seems to be an entire lot extra enjoyable than my standard message apps.
It’s not proof of iMessage being typically superior, although; it’s about one thing else. And this was very true at WWDC 2024.
There’s one thing about iMessage
Apple at all times does an ideal job of displaying how its merchandise and options might improve your life, and iMessage is at all times portrayed as an exquisite approach to join, chat, and have enjoyable with pals. iOS 18 will introduce a number of new options to iMessage, together with methods to focus on particular phrases, add any emoji or sticker to messages by the Tapback menu, and in addition schedule messages to be despatched at a selected time.
It’s not probably the most thrilling record of recent options, however that’s not the purpose. It’s the best way iMessage was (and has at all times been) portrayed throughout WWDC’s keynote presentation. Though just a few minutes had been spent on iMessage, it simply regarded enjoyable and interesting to make use of. I wish to check out the totally different results for phrases, and I don’t care if it’s annoying to the recipient. In reality, I need them to ship again a equally annoying animated phrase — the much less applicable, the higher.
I need a lengthy record of blue-and-gray message bins, all with bouncy phrases, emoji reactions, and little movies that may be enjoyable to create and ship after which heartwarming to look again on. That’s what iMessage seems to supply. However it is going to solely accomplish that whenever you and the folks in your life additionally use iMessage, and for me, that’s simply not the case.
However is Apple’s portrayal of iMessage even correct?
Different messaging apps dominate
If I don’t actually use iMessage, what do I exploit? WhatsApp is the messaging app of selection for nearly everybody I do know, and it’s virtually customary apply to ask if somebody has WhatsApp when exchanging contact info. There’s completely nothing unsuitable with WhatsApp in any respect, and it has a few of the options I like from iMessage — reminiscent of emoji reactions, GIFs, and stickers.
I discover calls and video to be dependable, and the standard is often wonderful, so my grievance will not be a lot in regards to the app itself however extra about how lots of people use it. Outdoors of some thumbs-up or coronary heart emoji reactions, my WhatsApp message feeds are comparatively atypical. I additionally use Line, the authentic sticker-heavy messaging app, however I additionally discover stickers are used judiciously there. I don’t wish to be the one to cost in and jazz all these chats up with undesirable photos and stickers, a lot as I’ll like the thought.
Lastly, there are RCS messages. Sure, iOS is getting help for the flashier, interactive options provided by the messaging system, however any pleasure round it’s completely misplaced on me. The one SMS/RCS messages I obtain come from automated companies like supply reminders, informational no-reply messages, or from folks I barely know. If I knew them, chances are high we’d have linked on WhatsApp anyway.
Would iMessage be any totally different?
I’m positive there are lots of people who absolutely embrace all of the options iMessage, WhatsApp, PCs, Line, and each different messaging app supply. It’s actually the best way Apple makes it appear with its fun-packed iMessage demonstrations. However quite than it being actuality, no less than for me, it’s extra proof of Apple’s unbelievable gross sales means.
We’re speaking about a messaging app right here. It’s not going to vary my world, as more often than not, the messages I ship and obtain are pretty mundane, with lengthy, in-depth conversations taking place over the cellphone or in individual. There’s typically no place for greater than a thumbs-up response, and even when I compelled everybody I do know to purchase an iPhone and use iMessage, I’ve a sense nothing a lot would change.
Nevertheless it doesn’t matter. Apple does such job of creating the app look engaging that I’m simply satisfied messaging nirvana exists in these blue bubbles. Apple’s promoting prowess is clear in all the things from the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional to the iOS 18 customized house display design and instruments just like the Apple Pencil. I’m not a creative individual, however after I see the Pencil demonstrated throughout an Apple occasion, I rapidly think about the $100 stylus could be able to altering the scenario.
I know all this, however I’m nonetheless trying ahead to iOS 18 and the brand new iMessage options so I can strive them out on my small collection of iPhone-owning pals. That’s the true energy of Apple’s unbelievable shows and promoting at WWDC 2024.
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