Apple Messages adds Siri AI composition and Genmoji tools, PCMag reported

Apple Messages users on iOS and iPadOS can now utilize advanced Siri AI composition and custom Genmoji creation tools, PCMag reported. Additional updates also bring contextual suggestions and hand-drawn sketches to conversations.

Hardware Requirements For Siri AI Integration

Running features in iOS 27 that require Siri AI and Apple Intelligence demands specific hardware. Users need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any model in the iPhone 16, 17, or 18 lineups. For iPad users, the operating system requires an iPad Pro or iPad Air equipped with an M1 chip or higher, or an iPad mini featuring the A17 Pro chip, according to PCMag’s reporting.

To access the newest enhancements, users must run the latest operating system version by going to Settings, selecting General, and choosing Software Update. PCMag noted that these features extend across mobile hardware to the Messages app on Mac computers. The application also provides contextual suggestions and other new capabilities.

Composing And Revising Text With Siri AI

The updated Siri assistant allows users to compose, revise, and reply to texts directly within the conversation window. Users open a message and tap the Write with Siri option located below the text field, then type or dictate a description of the desired message before tapping the Search icon to generate it, PCMag stated.

Revising generated text involves tapping the Edit with Siri field and describing the requested changes. Alternatively, users can highlight text, select the Siri icon on the toolbar, and review multiple drafts by tapping the dual-page icon at the bottom of the screen to swipe left and right.

Generating Genmoji From Descriptions And Photos

Apple’s Genmoji feature lets users create customized emoji icons through text descriptions, combined emoji, or personal photos. By tapping the plus icon in a chat and selecting Genmoji, users can enter a description or pick multiple existing emoji to merge them into a single icon, PCMag reported.

Combining these options allows users to pair a photo with a description before tapping the checkmark to generate and send the custom icon. Users can also combine an emoji and a person.

iOS 18 Adds Text Formatting and Animation Effects

Beginning with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, users can apply special formatting or animation effects to their texts. Selecting composed words and tapping Text Effects from the pop-up menu allows for bold, italics, underline, or strikethrough styles, alongside animated effects such as Big, Small, Shake, Nod, Explode, Ripple, Bloom, and Jitter, according to PCMag.

Drawings And Contextual Suggestions

Users can add their own sketches and scribbles to a text by tapping the plus icon and selecting Drawing, utilizing different tools and colors on the palette before tapping the checkmark icon at the top to send it, PCMag reported.

Messages additionally offers contextual suggestions based on incoming texts, displaying actions such as Search for photos beneath the text field when someone requests a picture.