A sketchy new rumor claims that Apple will release a completely overhauled Messages app for iPhone sometime next year. The rumor claims that the new app will release alongside Apple’s VR headset.
Twitter leaker @MajinBuOfficial tweeted on Friday that their sources claim that Apple is working on a completely refreshed Messages app that will feature a new home view, chat rooms, video clips, and AR chat features that will work alongside Apple’s VR headset.
According with my resource, Apple is working on a new version of iMessage completely renewed. New home, chat rooms, video clips, and new chat features in AR. It should be released next year along with the new headset #Apple #AppleAR #iMessage pic.twitter.com/Wp2WT8apNX
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) October 14, 2022
Announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June, iOS 16 introduced new features to the Messages app like the ability to edit or delete a recent message, mark read conversations as unread, SharePlay, and share notes, presentations, reminders, Safari Tab Groups, and more.
It seems appropriate that Apple will update the Messaging app as we near the release of their VR headset. The primary means of communication on the device will undoubtedly be the Messages app. So it’s not out of this world for the company to introduce VR and other collaborative experiences in their apps.
A couple of hours after the tweet went live, another Twitter user responded to the leaker and said that the images used in the post and details of the alleged rumor are actually from a Reddit user dating back four years ago. So, it’s unclear if this rumor is factual or merely an attempt to revive an old concept. Responding to a different message about the images, the leaker stated “it is a simple illustration, nothing to do with reality.”
Apple is expected to launch its VR/AR headset sometime in 2023 after reportedly being delayed earlier this year. It’s unclear what changes will be coming to the Messages app, but we have many months’ worth of leaks and rumors still to come.
