In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the Messages app's numerous features and hidden capabilities. From advanced safety features like Check In to productivity enhancements like scheduled messages and screen sharing, the hosts reveal powerful tools that many users might not know exist within their Messages app.

• Message Organization

  -Pin up to 9 conversations to the top of your messages list

  -View shared media, links, and collaborations by tapping on contact names

  -Access photos quickly by long-pressing the plus button

• Message Editing Features

  -Edit or unsend recently sent messages

  -Schedule messages to send at specific times and dates

  -Set message reminders that trigger when messaging specific contacts

• Safety Features

  -New Check In feature allows friends/family to monitor your journey safety without constant location sharing

  -Location sharing options: temporary, day-long, or indefinite

  -Battery-efficient alternative to constant Find My location sharing

• Audio Messages

  -New automatic transcription feature for voice messages

  -Dictation option available through microphone button

  -Transcriptions happen on-device before sending

• Screen Sharing

  -Share screens through FaceTime integration

  -Draw on shared screens to highlight items

  -Request remote control access to help troubleshoot issues

  -SharePlay integration for watching content together

• Settings and Filters

  -Filter unknown senders to reduce spam

  -Customize message retention periods

  -Control read receipts per contact

  -RCS messaging support in certain regions

• Shortcuts Corner Segment

  -Detailed walkthrough of creating automation for alarm control to benefit a warehouse worker.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this New Year's episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard kick off 2025 by exploring apps that can help viewers build and maintain better habits. They show off various habit-tracking and productivity apps, from sophisticated routine builders to Apple's new built-in journaling solution.

• MyRoutine - A science-backed habit tracking app that uses the Fogg Behavior Model to help users build habits by connecting them to existing situations.
• Habit Kit - A beautifully designed habit tracker that allows users to set custom goals, categorize habits, and track multiple completions per day!
• Apple Journal - Apple's native journaling app that automatically suggests entries based on locations, activities, and photos.
• Pass for Wallet - A completely free app for digitizing physical cards, tickets, and passes into Apple Wallet. Helps declutter physical wallets!
• HomePass for HomeKit - A comprehensive solution for storing HomeKit device codes across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch

Shortcuts Corner

• Rosemary created a clever automation solution for a viewer who keeps forgetting their phone in the car. The shortcut uses CarPlay connections and reminders to notify users on their Apple Watch when leaving their vehicle.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

As another year winds down, Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard reflect on the most impressive and useful apps that defined their digital experiences in 2024. In this special episode, the hosts dive deep into their personal favorites across various categories.

• Balatro: A unique card game that even non-card players will love
• Flighty: The ultimate flight-tracking companion
• Carrot Weather: Bringing personality & precision to weather forecasting
• Fastmail: An email app packed with powerful features
• Croissant: Simplifying cross-platform social media posting
• Call Sheet: The ultimate companion for TV and movie enthusiasts
• Plus, a few more!

Beyond their top picks, Mikah and Rosemary share insights into how these apps have improved their daily digital lives, offering listeners practical advice on finding and using the best iOS apps of the year.

Feedback

• Chris wrote in asking about a method to easily format email replies with different colors for each response.

Shortcuts Corner

• Jack asked about a CarPlay notification issue with a shortcut automation. His home arrival notification would activate on the screen but had no audio!

Whether you're looking to optimize your iOS experience or just curious about the year's best apps, this episode of iOS Today is a must-listen!

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.