Oliver Haslam on May 12, 2020, 10:02 pm

Patent Shows iOS 14 Could Get Feature To Edit Sent iMessages

Apple might be getting ready to add a new feature to iOS 14 or later that would allow users to edit iMessages that have already been sent and delivered.

The idea of editing an iMessage is something that could go one of two ways. It can obviously be plenty useful, but it can also mean that replies can look out of place if a message is changed later.

The same can also be said about deleting messages though, and the benefit surely outweighs the potential problems. Apple seems to agree, with a new patent potentially showing us how it might enable editing of iMessages.

According to a patent that was spotted by AppleInsider and files back in December of last year, Apple says that the idea of editing messages is one that will mean users won’t need to resend them if a mistake is made.

There is a need for electronic devices with improved methods and interfaces for editing sent messages. Such methods and interfaces may complement or replace conventional methods for editing sent messages. Such methods and interfaces reduce the number, extent, and/or the nature of the inputs from a user and produce a more efficient human-machine interface.

The drawings provided with the patent application show that users would potentially long-press on a message and then select an option to edit it. Users would also be able to see previous edits via a similar method.

There’s no guarantee that any of this will come to iOS 14, however. We should know for sure when Apple holds its annual WWDC event next month, with iOS 14 and other software updates set to be announced during the online event.

(Source: USPTO)