Conversations, Groups, and Even More Memoji
Messages is one of the few individual apps getting significant improvements in iOS 14, bringing it up on par with some competing third-party messaging services while introducing a few new features in its own right.
Most of the changes have to do with group conversations, allowing users to pin important conversations to the to of the messages list so that they don’t get lost in the shuffle of many ongoing chats. Apple has also redesigned how groups appear, allowing users to choose a theme image, with a cluster of individual user avatars appearing around it. In the chat list, the most recent commenter will appear to one edge of the main group avatar so you’ll know who spoke last.
Apple is also adding inline replies to group chats, letting users reply to specific messages, and view threads either inline with the full conversation or focus on them separately. You’ll also be able to use mentions to tag a specific user in a group chat, and choose to only get a notification for a group chat when you’re actually mentioned.
Lastly, Apple is once again beefing up its Memoji by offering a whole collection of new customizations including new hairstyles, new headwear, and face coverings (e.g. masks), along with more age options. There are also three brand new Memoji stickers coming for hug, fist bump, and blush.