Apple's iMessage Update Will Make The Group Chat Much Less Annoying

Apple is making some big changes to iMessage that may have Slack users switching teams.

The technology company unveiled its newest operating system iOs 14 during its 31st annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) on Monday. Among the many updates and changes that will be possible thanks to the new software included upgrades to the iMessaging system on iPhone and Mac products with OS.

With the new software, iMessage users will now be able to pin conversations, making it easier to revisit previously-sent texts. Users will also be able to respond directly to a specific message that can be viewed as a thread. For instance, if a user is engaged in a group conversation, instead of replying to a text within the overall group, iPhone users can comment on a specific message, starting a thread within that message.

The new iMessage will also include "Mentions," in which users can more easily get the attention to individual members in a group chat by typing out their names. The mention will resort in a person receiving a notification. iMessage users will be able to adjust their notifications within a group chat so that they are only notified when they are directly mentioned if they choose to.

The features should make it particularly easier for group chats, which have the tendency to get flooded with responses from the various individuals included within the group. iMessage users have long complained that it's hard to keep track of a group conversation with the platform's current operating method, giving way for many people and companies to rely on messaging systems like Slack, which has included features to pin conversations, mention specific individuals within a group chat and adjust message notifications for years.

Apple users were excited to learn of the many iMessage changes revealed during the 2020 conference—including new Memojis with face masks and new stickers—but they were particularly pleased with the features that resembled Slack's messaging system.

"iMessage is now slack. This is fantastic," one Twitter user wrote.

Another gushed: "iMessage inline replies, offline and improved Siri... Finally!!! Thx @Apple iOS 14 is packed #WWDC20."

The new iOS software won't be available until September, but there will be plenty for Apple users to be on the lookout for once the final version is ready. In addition to a new and improved iMessage system, Apple is rolling out the "App Library," which will help users better manage and organize categories on their home screen, a new Maps system that will include guides for places to eat and sight-seeing hot spots, a new translation app for Siri that can translate texts and voice notes to any language and more new features.