You may use the Messages app on your iPhone frequently, but there might still be features that you’re unaware of. To use iPhone Messages to the full extent, check out the list of some of the most hidden features that Messages offer.

5 iPhone Messages features you should know

1. Real-time flight tracking: You can track a flight without downloading another app. Just press and hold a message that contains a flight number, tap “Preview Flight,” and you’ll be able to view the flight’s status.
2. Secret codes for animations: You can use secret codes to unlock animations, depending on the message you send. For instance, sending “Happy Birthday!” triggers balloons while “Congratulations!” results in confetti rain.
3. Mark messages as unread: If you’ve read a message but don’t have time to reply at the moment, you can mark it as unread to remind you to respond later. Just tap and hold a conversation in the app’s inbox, and select “Mark as Unread.”
4. Filter out spam messages: Prevent spam messages from cluttering up your inbox by turning on “Filter Unknown Senders” in the Messages settings. You can still check the “Unknown Senders” tab if needed.
5. Visual Look Up: You can use Visual Look Up to get more information on images sent in a chat. Tap on the image and select “View” to get a detailed description from Siri, which can identify things like historical landmarks or dog breeds.

What’s the difference between iMessages and SMS?

iMessage and SMS are two different messaging services available on iOS devices. While SMS (Short Message Service) is a traditional text messaging service that is available on all mobile devices, iMessage is a messaging service that is exclusive to Apple’s ecosystem.

One of the main differences between iMessage and SMS is the way they work. SMS messages are sent through a mobile carrier’s network and are limited to 160 characters per message. On the other hand, iMessage uses an internet connection to send messages and has no character limit.

Another significant difference is that iMessage allows users to send not only text messages but also photos, videos, and other media files. Additionally, iMessage offers advanced features such as read receipts, typing indicators, and the ability to see when the other person is typing.