Major changes could soon make iMessage a serious WhatsApp alternative

WhatsApp has been dominating the instant messaging world for a long time, not only on Android but also on the iPhone. There just has not been any realistic competitor. iPhone users do have iMessage but, until now, it could not compete with WhatsApp’s many features.

However, according to a Bloomberg report this week, Apple could announce major new WhatsApp-like features for iMessage as soon as its WWDC conference next month.

An example is that the revamped iMessage will enable users to set a display name and a profile picture – just like in WhatsApp. iPhone users will also be able to select who is able to see these, and who isn’t.

The Bloomberg report also claims that iMessage is about to receive a new “dedicated menu in the conversation view to send sticker versions of Animojis.” In the new version, there will also be a feature allowing users to send Memphis. These are modified versions of Animojis that Apple announced at its 2018 WWDC conference a little over a year ago.

It is expected that the Cupertino-based company will introduce all the new iPhone features via iOS. New features are also expected for macOS and WatchOS.

Strangely enough, Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg was the one who said last year that the social media network’s “biggest competition” is Apple’s iMessage. Quoting the example of the US, where iPhone remains a strong contender, Zuckerberg at the time said that “Apple bundles iMessage as the default text app and it’s still ahead.”

When he said “ahead”, Zuckerberg was, of course, referring to Apple’s iMessage as competition for Facebook as such, not its messaging platform.

This time around, however, the one that could be facing serious competition is WhatsApp itself.

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