iPhone Guide: Recalling, Editing, and More Messages (iOS 16+)

In the Messages app of the Apple iPhone, after the Updated to iOS 16 new options for handling iMessage content. SMS are only half affected, so editing and undoing messages to Android users is different and appears differently. Below are the instructions on how to recall iMessages, how to edit them, and other information as well. 

Taking back a message on the iPhone: That's how it works!

If you sent a message to the wrong person or you want to call them back for other reasons, you can do so within two minutes of sending. But that doesn't mean she'll be gone forever. Both you and the recipient will see that a message has been recalled. 

But that only happens if both people iOS 16 use or on the other hand iPadOS 16 or macOS 13 Ventura is used. If recipients use iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, macOS 12 Monterey, an older system on iPhone, iPad or Mac or if SMS communication is used to Android or another system, then the message will remain with them. You should keep that in mind.

Here are the instructions on how to recall iMessage on iPhone:

1. Send a message in the Messages app
2. Then think “Oh, that was wrong!”
3. Press and hold the speech bubble with the relevant text
4. Then up Cancel sending tippen
5. Wait for confirmation

Editing a message on the iPhone: That's how it's done!

If the whole message isn't wrong, but you just want to correct a typo or wrong information (e.g. the time of an appointment), you can simply edit it. If you want to edit a sent message in the Messages app on the Apple iPhone, then you proceed in a similar way to taking it back:

1. Select the chat in which you want to correct something
2. Press and hold the speech bubble with the wrong text
3. Tap on the menu that appears Edit
4. Corrects the error or adds what is missing
5. Confirm and send the changes with the tick button

For recipients with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS 13 Ventura and other new systems on iPhone, iPad and Mac, the edited messages are displayed with the note "Edited". The message will also be marked as such for you. If you or the recipient tap on this note, the original version of the message will appear. 

If older systems are used instead of iMessage between Apple users with the latest operating systems or if SMS messages are used - for example to Android devices - then the original message is retained. The edited message is then delivered as a completely new text. Instead, you can simply send the correction as a new message. Do you find these differences annoying? You are not alone with this: Get the Message – Google warns Apple users about outdated SMS technology.

Apple Guide: Here

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.