New text effects coming with iOS 18

iMessage is getting all-new text effects that bring conversations to life by enhancing any letter, word, phrase or emoji with dynamic, animated looks.

You've long been able to add birthday balloons and other effects to Messages. But with iOS 18, your words can now shake, rattle, and pop.
 

iOS 18 adds quick-access text effects to Messages

Every year Apple finds something new to add to Messages. This new update is likely to be small but simple at the same time, but it could become very popular. The new feature is called Text Effects, and you can apply your choice of options in this feature after writing a message but not yet sending it.

Unlike the new Deliver or Send Later options, Text Effects is not a separate app. Instead of tapping the plus sign and then finding the Text Effects Messages app, simply highlight the text you want to change.

A regular iOS pop-up window appears, which now includes Text Effects as well as the familiar options for bold or italics. You may need to tap the right arrow to scroll through the options until you see Text Effects.

This feature is shown as large buttons on your keyboard labelled with the effect you want. All eight effects not only show their name, but also the text effect applied to that name.

When you tap one of these effects, it is applied to the text you highlight in your message. You can then see this effect in your message and, if you are happy with it, you can tap the send button. If you are not happy with it, the other eight options remain on the screen. So you can try another option.