iMessage in iOS 14: Mentions, Pinned Conversations, Inline Replies, and More

Apple today announced several new features being added to iMessage in iOS 14, including mentions, pinned conversations, inline replies in conversations, group photos, and new Memoji styles and stickers.

An overview of the new features:

• Mentions: Type a name to direct a message to someone. When you are mentioned, your name is highlighted. You can customize an active group so you only receive notifications when you are mentioned.
• Pinned conversations: Pin up to nine conversations to the top of your conversation list for easy access to them.
• Inline replies: Reply directly to a specific message in a group conversation. You can view replies in the full conversation or as their own thread for a more focused view.
• Group photos: Give your group conversation a visual identity by adding a photo or Memoji, or choose an emoji.
• New Memoji styles and stickers: New age and face covering options, plus over 20 new hair and headwear styles.

iOS 14 is available in beta for registered Apple developers today, with a public beta to follow next month. The free software update will be released in the fall for the iPhone 6s and newer.