David Silverberg
Starting today, Apple device users will be able to operate in a vastly expanded Messages environment thanks to a new API that allows developers to build in third-party app integrations like stickers and app extensibility.
"When it comes to expressing yourself, there's so much more you could do if we could tap into all the creativity of all you developers and so we're opening up Messages to developers as well with iMessage apps," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote in June.
Users will be able to go into an App Drawer to view already-installed apps and drop their available content into messages. Access to the App Store, where new Messages apps can be downloaded, is also completely integrated, with no need to exit and go to the App Store app.
Users will access the drawer by pressing a dedicated app button located to the left of the text entry field in Messages, alongside options for entering photos and Digital Touch drawings.
The new framework will allow developers the ability to create of two types of app extensions: Sticker packs and iMessage apps.
With the new Sticker packs, developers can easily incorporate the images into their apps by simply dropping the images into the app's Sticker Pack folder inside the Stickers assets catalog. The images can be of three different point sizes (100x100, 136x36, 206x206).
Users will also be able to use much more sophisticated apps like Square Cash and make payments without leaving Messages.
iMessage app developers will be able to customize user interfaces, create custom or dynamic sticker browsers, insert text or media files, create interactive messages with app-specific data and update interactive messages like games or collaborative apps.
Federighi demonstrated the possibilities: choosing from a wide variety of Stickers and dropping one in with a tap, or even peeling one off and dropping it into a photo or message. When he received a message with an embedded app - in this instance suggesting a restaurant - he was able to tap in, access the menu, place an order, add it to his cart and then drop it into his message to be shared with friends, all without leaving the Messages app.
For the user, the new capabilities will allow the Messages app to tap into a wide universe of third-party apps, which currently stands at 2 million options on the App Store.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in June following Apple's announcement of iOS 10 at WWDC 2016. It is being republished to coincide with the mobile operating system's public release.
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24 Comments
There is a lot going on here. So much so that it will be hard to fully appreciate until after public launch.
Hoping for the eventual inclusion of 3rd party messaging protocols, so we can at least 'text' with other messaging apps on different platforms.
Im going to be honest - I'm 31 and feel like i've suddenly become a pensioner. I dont understand this crazy with emojos and things bouncing about the screen. it seems so pointless and a waste of time. messages, for me, is something which helps me comjunicate quickly by firing little messages back and forth. Not composing a whole drawing /sketch or endlessly switching around emoticons. I honestly kbnow i'm out of touch but , wow, i didn't think i'd hit this stage for a few years within the Apple software world. I'm fine with payment integration and some smart bot type functions which faciliate a task, but all this kiddy stuff.. wow. i feel old!
Whether you like it or not, Messages is way a lot of people do a lot of their communication. It stands to reason that would be improved over time. I'm also 31. I don't see what's wrong with the improvements. Neither did the massive crowd of adult developers.
Pls pls pls do iMessage for Android this year, Apple. I want the ability to delete all other messaging apps and deal exclusively with iMessage and not kik, fb-mess, WA, WC, texts or anything else. The drum I keep beating: it will make Apple device owners device experience much better. The trick to keeping users is to improve their experience. Yes, a few people may go Android, but I think far more will see a way into the Apple ecosystem and the proposition of buying an Apple device will become more attractive to them.
In short, a more attractive platform with a more seamless and integrated device communication experience.
Or why not wait until the world has moved on and iMessage is a way of communicating seamelesly to just 10% of the world. That iMessages turn to texts messages if the recipient does not have an iPhone for me is not a feature, but an inconvenience—hence I turn that "feature" off. It's a pain in the butt to having to think about communication and who uses what app etc. Please simplify our lives!!