Apple recently poured cold water on rumors claiming iMessage would see introduction on Google's Android platform, potentially at this week's Worldwide Developers Conference, saying the messaging service is worth more as an exclusive first-party feature.
The iOS 10 version of Messages appears to contain a hidden "dark mode" option, potentially backing up hints that such a feature will go system-wide, or at least come to other iOS apps beyond ones like iBooks.
Perhaps the biggest overhaul in Apple's upcoming iOS 10 can be seen in the Messages app, which will add the ability to send drawings, change message bubbles, replace words with emoji, use stickers, integrate third-party apps, and much more.
Serial patent lawsuit filer and non-practicing entity Uniloc on Tuesday filed suit against Apple, claiming Messages app and iMessage backend service features infringe on multiple owned voice over IP patents.
As the most-used app on iOS, Apple's Messages will receive a major overhaul in the upcoming iOS 10 update, including a number of emoji-related enhancements, dynamic text bubbles, and rich links with images automatically integrated into chats. Third-party developers will also be able to tap into and expand iMessages with their own creations
An unconfirmed, and somewhat tenuous, rumor on Thursday claims iMessage will be Apple's next Android release, with the company potentially planning a debut next week at its Worldwide Developers Conference.
It appears that Apple's plan to discontinue iChat support for AIM logins using Mac.com and Me.com IDs on OS X 10.7.1 and earlier is affecting some users running newer versions of the Mac operating system, including OS X 10.9 Mavericks and OS X 10.10 Yosemite.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday proposed a set of guidelines regarding emergency text-to-911 messages that would require cellular carrier and internet-based messaging providers like Apple to support the initiative.
Apple's new Messages app connects Macs with conversations initiated on iOS devices, as well as providing an easy way to initiate FaceTime conversations.
Though the new Mac Messages application with cross-platform support for iOS will be a major feature of the forthcoming OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, users can get their hands on an early beta immediately.
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AppleInsider Staff
Roger Fingas
Mikey Campbell
Neil Hughes
Daniel Eran Dilger
