Thanks to the latest iOS updates, Apple finally added a long-awaited feature: the function to unsend or edit messages on iPhone. Just imagine being able to get through such a situation when you have mistakenly typed a text to the wrong contact, made a typo in writing, or simply would like to change the tone of a message.

With this, you have more command over your communications. The following is everything you need to know about unsending or editing messages on iPhone.

Requirements for Unsending and Editing Messages

How to Edit and Unsend iMessages on iOS 18

Before jumping into the uses, there is a prerequisite in the form of a known requirement for the system. Unsending or editing a message has to be via iMessage using one of the following versions of the operating systems mentioned below:

• iOS 16 or later (iOS 18 is the latest)
• iPadOS 16.1 or later
• macOS 13 or later
• visionOS 1 or later

Plus, both you and your recipient have to be using matching versions of iMessage, and if they have an older operating system than yours, it is possible the message will not be thoroughly unsent or edited on that device.

How to Cancel a Message on iPhone

Have you ever sent a message in a hurry and immediately regretted it? With the "Undo Send" feature, iPhone users now have up to two minutes after sending a message to retract it. Here's how:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Find the message you want to unsend and touch and hold the message bubble.
3. From the options that appear, tap Undo Send.
4. After you unsend a message, a notification will appear in the conversation transcript on both your device and the recipient's. The message is completely removed from the recipient's device. However, if your recipient is using an older operating system, they may still see the original message, and you'll be notified of this.

Editing a Sent Message

Sometimes, a quick typo or a wrong word can change the whole meaning of the message. Now, through editing, iPhone users can be able to edit a sent message up to five times before it is 15 minutes after sending it.

Through this, you will get enough time to correct and perfect your message. Simply follow these steps to edit a sent message:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Choose the conversation that you want to alter the message in.
3. Tap the message bubble to select it
4. Tap Edit from the list of options that appear
5. Modify your text and tap Send Edit to send the edited message. To cancel your edits, tap Cancel Edit.

Once you edit the message, you will see the word Edited next to the message in the conversation transcript. You and the recipient can then tap on Edited to view previous versions of the message.

Important Notes About Unsent and Edited Messages

• SMS, MMS, and RCS: These types of messages cannot be unsent or edited. However, you can edit SMS or MMS messages if you're part of a group conversation including at least one iMessage user.
• Time Limit: It's possible to unsend within 2 minutes or to edit within 15 minutes. After that time period, the option becomes unavailable.
• Notifications: When you unsent or edit the message, your recipient will be notified of it so that they would be able to know that something was altered.

What If My Recipient Has an Older iOS Version?

If your recipient is running an older iOS version than iOS 16, then the unsent or edited message will fail to disappear or update in his device. In that case:

• The message remains in the conversation, though it was never sent.
• An edited message will appear with a notice that reads, "Edited to" followed by your revised version of the message.

The ability to unsend and edit messages on iPhone has really brought much-needed flexibility to your communication. Whether to correct a mistake, retract a message, or maybe just refine your words, this brings you a better texting experience.

However, remember, both actions have their OS requirements and time limits; understanding how these tools work allows you to send the messages with confidence, knowing that you have more control than ever.

To benefit from all these powerful features, both you and your recipient should be on supported iOS versions.