iMessage is getting its biggest update ever — here's what's changing

iOS 10, the new operating for iPhones and iPads, is out now.

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The biggest change in iOS 10 is iMessage, which has been completely overhauled.

Here's a look at how iMessage has changed in iOS 10.

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Florence Fu/Tech Insider
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Emojis are now three times larger. The app will also suggest emojis by analyzing the text you type in the field.

ios 10 imessage update
Florence Fu/Tech Insider

Type your message, then tap the emoji button on the keyboard. Some words will turn yellow. Tap on them to change them to emoji. It's much easier than hunting for the perfect emoji for what you're trying to say.

You can send doodles and sketches, just like you can on the Apple Watch.

ios 10 imessage update
Florence Fu/Tech Insider

There's a lot to unpack in this feature. Tap the heart icon next to the text field to unlock a new interface that lets you doodle messages, send taps, or even "blow a kiss." This should look very familiar to Apple Watch users.

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You can also send quick videos with text scribbled on the screen.

ios 10 imessage update
Florence Fu/Tech Insider

It's very similar to Snapchat, right?

Tapping the App Store icon gives you access to a library of GIFs and images.

ios 10 imessage update
Florence Fu/Tech Insider

You can easily search for them too.

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Sending a photo is easier.

ios 10 imessage update
Florence Fu/Tech Insider

The camera button brings up your camera roll and a mini version of the camera app for taking quick photos. It's much faster than digging through your camera roll the old-fashioned way.

You can also download other apps, like these sticker packs from Apple.

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There will be more third-party apps and sticker packs in this section once iOS 10 gets into the hands of more users and developers.

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Just about any developer can make an iMessage app. For example, Square is working on one that'll let you send cash to your friends within iMessage.

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There are new ways to react and show emotion.

ios 10 imessage update
Florence Fu/Tech Insider

The Messages app will analyze the content of your message and display animations for certain things. For example, if you send someone a "Happy Birthday" text, balloons will appear on the screen.

You can also emphasize certain messages with larger font or use "invisible ink" that requires the recipient to slide their finger over the bubble to reveal the photo or text. Do a long-press on the send button to see these options.

If you long-press on a message, you can react to it with little buttons like hearts or exclamation points. In the final version of iOS 10, you'll be able to add third-party stickers and animations.

Bottom line: Your conversation window will never look the same.

iOS 10 iMessage
Apple

With so many options, you'll be able to express yourself in so many more ways beyond a simple emoji. The only downside is that there are almost too many new features to learn them all at once, so there's a steep learning curve. Poke around and find out what works for you.

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