Messaging Apps
Ongoing coverage on Messaging Apps.
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Suno brings its gen AI music gunk to iMessage
Suno, a company specializing in generative AI music, has integrated its technology into iMessage. This allows users to create and share AI-generated songs directly within their conversations, offering a novel way to communicate through music.
Evening Mobilization
WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that will allow users to chat with each other without needing to exchange or swap phone numbers. This update aims to provide more privacy and convenience for users communicating on the platform.
WhatsApp users can soon have private conversations with Meta AI
Meta AI is introducing an Incognito Chat feature for WhatsApp, allowing users to have private conversations with the AI. Messages exchanged in this mode will not be readable by anyone other than the user.
XChat, the standalone app for messaging on X, is available on iOS now
XChat, a new standalone messaging application for the social platform X, has been released on iOS. The app includes features such as message editing, screenshot blocking, disappearing messages, and end-to-end encryption. XChat will also support larger group chats, potentially replacing the soon-to-be-retired X Communities feature.
Meta is testing a WhatsApp Plus subscription that mostly focuses on cosmetic upgrades
Meta is testing a new subscription service called WhatsApp Plus for its messaging app, offering cosmetic upgrades like premium stickers and themes. While basic functions remain free, subscribers can also pin more chats and customize alerts. This move follows Meta's trial of a similar premium tier for Instagram.
Morning Mobilization
Google Messages is reportedly set to receive long-awaited chat customization features. Additionally, Android Auto may be receiving fixes for persistent issues that have been affecting its usability.
X's messaging app, XChat, may be available soon
X's standalone messaging application, XChat, is slated for release on April 17, according to its App Store listing. The app, initially discussed by Elon Musk in mid-2025 as an upgraded direct messaging feature for X, will offer end-to-end encryption, message editing and deletion, screenshot blocking, and disappearing messages. It supports large group chats and will be ad-free and privacy-focused.
Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July and replace it with Google's
Samsung will discontinue its proprietary Samsung Messages app in July, replacing it with Google Messages across its devices. The switch offers enhanced features like RCS messaging and AI-powered photo remixing, with Google Messages already being pre-installed on newer models like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and S25 series.
WhatsApp rolls out updates including multiple accounts for iOS
WhatsApp is rolling out several updates for its messaging platform, including the highly anticipated ability for iOS users to manage multiple accounts on a single device. New features also enhance chat history migration between platforms and devices, allow for deletion of large files within chats, and integrate AI for photo editing and message drafting.
Jest Games Fund wants to support studios building games "for the RCS messaging ecosystem"
Jest, a marketplace for messaging apps using SMS and RCS protocols, has launched the Jest Games Fund to support studios developing games for the RCS messaging ecosystem. The fund offers up to $1 million in investment across three tiers, with successful applicants retaining 90% of revenue and Jest subsidizing text delivery costs. Existing games can be published on Jest if they integrate with the Jest SDK, with the inaugural cohort closing on April 15.
Evening Mobilization
Google Messages has received two new basic features that were previously expected to be included. The update aims to enhance the functionality of the messaging application.
WhatsApp is now officially available on Garmin smartwatches
WhatsApp is now officially available on select Garmin smartwatches, allowing users to read and reply to messages, send emojis, and manage chat history directly from their wrist. The app also enables users to accept or decline incoming calls without needing their smartphone. This follows the release of WhatsApp for Apple Watch last year.
Meta will let kids under 13 use WhatsApp with parent-managed accounts
Meta is introducing parent-managed accounts on WhatsApp, allowing children under 13 to use the messaging platform with enhanced safety controls. Parents can manage who messages their child and restrict access to certain features like Channels and Meta AI. This initiative is part of Meta's broader effort to expand parental controls across its platforms, following similar features introduced for Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram.