The Messages app in iOS 27 receives a deep update that significantly improves the user experience. While the interface looks similar, Apple has rewritten much of the internal workings, making the app faster, smarter, and less frustrating. From simple button customizations to powerful Siri integrations, every aspect has been refined to reduce daily friction.
Customizable text field button for dictation or voice memos
One of the most requested changes concerns the small button in the text field, often causing confusion between dictation and voice memos. With iOS 27, users can choose the desired function: dictation, voice memo, or remove the button entirely. Simply go to Settings, select the Messages app, and modify the 'Text Field Button' option. Many users, including this author, have removed the button altogether, but the choice depends on personal habits. This small tweak eliminates a recurring annoyance and makes typing smoother.
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New Drawing app integrated directly into Messages
Apple has added a Drawing app within Messages, offering an interface similar to Notes with tools like pen, marker, highlighter, and color picker. Users can create perfect shapes with gestures and paste images. On iPad, Apple Pencil support makes the experience even more natural. Just tap the App Store icon next to the text field and select Drawing to start sketching. This feature is ideal for creative messages or quick visual explanations.
Contextual suggestions for frictionless actions
The most impactful new feature is contextual suggestions. iOS 27 analyzes the conversation content and proposes one-tap actions: add an appointment, save a contact, start a call, or get directions. For example, if a friend writes 'Let's meet at 6 at the restaurant', the app shows a suggestion to create a calendar event. This eliminates unnecessary steps and speeds up daily tasks. It works so naturally that it feels like having a personal assistant embedded in messages.
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AI-powered Siri for message management
Siri integration in Messages has been completely revamped thanks to SiriAI. Now users can ask 'Show yesterday's messages about project X' or 'Send Maria the message I wrote last week'. The assistant indexes the conversation history and responds to complex commands. Possibilities vary depending on personal use, but those who try these features are enthusiastic. The public beta will allow more users to test Siri's capabilities in messages.
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Beyond these features, iOS 27 improves RCS messaging, syncs faster across devices, refines Genmoji, automatically retries failed messages, and optimizes overall performance. The combination of these innovations strengthens the Apple ecosystem, making iMessage even more central to daily communication. For developers, tools like React Query can also benefit from similar updates in the web domain. To learn more about other iOS 27 changes, check out the article on the Mail app overhaul. Technical details and further insights are available on the official Apple Developer site.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/10/these-are-my-favorite-new-messages-features-in-ios-27-video
