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Apple is reportedly working on a new version of the Messages app that could be released alongside the mixed reality headset next year.
The Twitter leaker named “Majin Bu” claimed Now, Apple is working on a completely new version of iMessage, featuring a new Home view, chat rooms, video clips, and more. The app reportedly offers "new chat features in AR" and is slated for release alongside Apple's headset next year. iOS 16 introduced a number of new features for the Messages app, including the ability to edit or delete a recently sent message, mark conversations as unread, and send collaboration invitations and activity updates.
Apple headset with iMessage: Will SharePlay be a central part of it?
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who often provides accurate insight into Apple's plans, has said that Apple's mixed reality headset will focus on gaming, media consumption and communication. He believes Memojis and SharePlay could be a central part of the experience. iOS 16 introduced SharePlay in Messages, allowing multiple users to enjoy synced content like movies or songs with shared playback controls while chatting. This would mean that SharePlay sessions can be conveniently launched in the Messages app on the Apple headset.
Apple leaks new operating system
Rumors suggest that the headset itself will run a completely new operating system called "rOS" or "realityOS," internally codenamed "Oak." Rumors about Apple's work on RealityOS have been circulating since 2017, but the operating system's existence was finally confirmed earlier this year. confirmed, when hints of it were found in the App Store upload logs and Apple's open source code. RealityOS will presumably include versions of many existing Apple apps, so a broader revival of the Messages app seems plausible, especially if the app is important for on-device collaboration. (Photo by Thapana_Studio / Bigstockphoto)
