With iOS 27 Apple has deeply updated the Messages app, introducing features powered by Apple Intelligence, a new Drawing iMessage app, significant RCS improvements, and performance optimizations. These novelties aim to make communication faster and more contextual, also paving the way for the upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra. Here is every detail.
One-tap suggestions based on conversation context
Apple Intelligence enables one-tap suggestions directly in Messages. The system analyzes chat text and proposes quick actions such as creating a reminder, a note, or finding relevant photos. For example, if someone asks to see vacation photos, the app will automatically search the library using keywords, locations, and recognized faces. These suggestions appear below the relevant message or in the top keyboard row, making the experience smoother and reducing steps needed to complete common tasks. The feature leverages on-device learning to ensure privacy, processing data locally without sending it to Apple servers. This represents a step forward in integrating artificial intelligence into the mobile operating system.
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The new "Drawing" iMessage app hints at iPhone Ultra
iOS 27 introduces a brand new iMessage app called Drawing that includes the Markup tools already found in Notes and Preview. Every iPhone can use it to send quick doodles, but its existence seems designed for the larger display of the upcoming iPhone Ultra. It remains to be seen whether the device will support Apple Pencil, a possibility reinforced by this addition. The Drawing app supports various colors, stroke thicknesses, and variable pressure on compatible devices, offering a creative alternative to emojis and images. In a year when Apple appears ready to launch its first foldable, the introduction of Drawing is a clear signal of the company's intentions. The ability to draw and send visual messages could become a distinguishing feature of the ecosystem, especially on a large display.
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RCS improvements: inline replies and native tapback reactions
RCS compatibility receives two major upgrades. Inline replies allow users to reply to an RCS message exactly like in iMessage, with the same interface and the ability to view the reply thread. Moreover, tapback reactions now display correctly on Android too, without the annoying text message "Ryan loved an image." Instead, the recipient sees the heart, thumbs up, or other reaction icon directly. Both features are part of the RCS 2.7 standard, which also includes edit and unsend capabilities, updates expected in future iOS 27 releases or later. These improvements make communication between iPhone and Android much closer to the iMessage experience, reducing barriers between the two platforms. Apple continues to expand RCS support in response to user demand and regulatory pressure.
Bug fixes and performance enhancements
Apple has worked to make the Messages app faster and more stable. The promised fixes improve memory management and overall responsiveness, especially in very long chats with thousands of messages. Users will notice reduced loading times when opening the app and fewer crashes when navigating between conversations. Additionally, sending high-resolution photos and videos has been optimized, reducing compression in some conditions. These optimizations are particularly appreciated by those who use Messages for work or highly active group chats.
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For users already taking advantage of connectivity with Samsung devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8, file sharing via Quick Share becomes even smoother as recent tests have shown.
With iOS 27, Apple demonstrates commitment to the messaging experience, laying the groundwork for the foldable future. More information about iMessage is available on Wikipedia.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/23/heres-everything-new-for-messages-in-ios-27
