Communicating via text message has evolved significantly with iOS 18. While previous iterations of Apple Messages limited text styling to entire bubble animations or fullscreen balloons, iOS 18 introduces word-level and letter-level typography controls. Users can now apply inline rich text formatting—including bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough—as well as dynamic, animated text effects that add motion and expressive visual flair to individual phrases.
Supported Text Formatting and Animation Options in iOS 18
The updated Messages composition engine categorises styling into two distinct groups:
- Rich Text Formatting: Classic typographic modifications including Bold, Italics, Underline, and
Strikethrough. These adjustments remain static and readable across both modern and legacy recipients. - Dynamic Text Effects: Animated typographic styles that bring words to life. The available animations include Big, Small, Shake, Nod, Explode, Ripple, Bloom, and Jitter.
You can apply formatting to single letters, isolated words, entire sentences, or combine multiple styles across a single message bubble.
How to Apply Text Effects to Messages on iPhone
Applying an animated effect is straightforward once you know where the formatting controls reside within the conversation view.
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone running iOS 18.
- Select an existing thread or start a new conversation.
- Type your message into the text composition field.
- Double-tap or tap and hold the specific word or phrase you wish to animate, adjusting the selection handles as needed.
- Tap the right arrow in the floating context popup menu to reveal additional tools, then select Text Effects. Alternatively, tap the A icon situated on the far right of the top predictive keyboard bar.
- A carousel of animated effects will appear. Swipe horizontally across the options (such as Explode, Ripple, or Shake) to preview how the chosen word moves.
- Tap the desired effect to apply it to your highlighted selection.
- Tap the blue Send arrow button to dispatch your animated iMessage.
How to Use Rich Text Formatting: Bold, Italics, Underline, and Strikethrough
If you prefer subtle emphasis without full animation, iOS 18 makes applying classic typographical styles faster than ever:
- Type your text in the composition window.
- Highlight the exact word or clause you want to emphasise.
- Tap the A button on your keyboard shortcut tray or select Format from the selection menu.
- Select Bold, Italic, Underline, or Strikethrough.
- You can apply multiple static formats simultaneously—for instance, styling a headline as both bold and underlined.
- Review your message draft in the input field and tap Send.
Combining Animated Effects with Static Formatting
Apple allows you to layer styles creatively within a single outgoing draft. For example, you can set the phrase “Breaking News” to bold, make “URGENT” shake with the Shake animation, and leave the remainder of the sentence in regular typeface.
To layer effects, highlight the first segment, apply your preferred static style or motion effect, deselect the text, and then highlight the secondary segment to apply an alternative style before sending.
Recipient Compatibility and Fallback Behaviour
Understanding how recipients view formatted and animated messages ensures your visual intent translates accurately across devices:
- iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia Users: View all animated text effects and rich text formatting natively in high-definition motion.
- Older Apple Operating Systems (iOS 17 and earlier): Devices running older iOS versions will display static text formatting where supported, but animated effects may appear with parenthetical labels or as standard unformatted text depending on the specific protocol version.
- Android Recipients (via RCS or SMS): With iOS 18 bringing RCS support, basic bold and italic formatting passes through supported RCS clients. However, Apple-specific animated text effects will not animate on Android devices and will display as standard text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a text effect before sending a message?
Yes. If you change your mind before sending, highlight the styled text again, open the Text Effects menu, and tap the active effect a second time to toggle it off.
Do text effects work in group chats?
Yes, text effects and formatting work seamlessly in both direct messages and group iMessage threads.
Are text effects available in green-bubble SMS conversations?
Animated text effects are an iMessage feature and are not transmitted over legacy carrier SMS or MMS channels.