Olivia Cavallaro Tech 07.27.2022 22:Jul PM EDT

iOS 16 Beta: Will You be Able to Edit, Delete Messages?

Apple's iOS 16 beta limits editing and deleting iMessages over concerns that it would hurt users.

The widely talked about ability to edit and delete messages in the much anticipated iOS 16 has been toned down by Apple. The tech giant released the fourth iOS 16 beta, iPadOS16 beta, and macOS beta, which limits users to edit a message five times within 15 minutes and unsend the message within two minutes, instead of the previous 15. Users can now also see edit history, unlike previously when a notice is displayed that the message has been edited.

Engadget reported that Apple did not provide an explanation for the changes in the iOS 16 beta despite a request to do so. Meanwhile, AppleInsider cited potential abuse as the reason for Apple junking its previous approach to messages and editing and deleting capabilities.

How Does Editing or Deleting Messages Hurt Users?

The upcoming iOS 16's editing and deleting messages capability has the potential for abuse because users can edit a message to make it seem like the other person agreed to something. Alternatively, users can harass others by sending messages that last long enough to be noticed but disappear before any screenshots or documentation can be made as evidence.

The iOS 16 beta appears to address these potential situations. Of course, users can also prevent edits and unsends by disabling iMessages, which forces messages to come in as SMS texts, where editing and deleting are not possible.

More Features Added to iOS 16 Beta

Apple took several weeks before it released the iOS 16 beta to developers on Wednesday. Right now, it's only available to registered developers, but is expected to be released to public beta testers sometime next week, 9to5 Mac reported. Leading up to the iOS 16 release in September, Apple is expected to continue releasing betas.

Aside from the changes made to messages, the iOS 16 beta also features multiple new wallpaper options for CarPlay. It also adds support for enabling developers to test the new Live Activities feature, which places live notifications on the Lock Screen. Meanwhile, the Settings app features new graphics that show the difference between the stack, count, and list notification display options.

More Features Added to iOS 16 Beta

In the iOS 16 beta, users will notice that when volume is adjusted on the Music app, the volume bar enlarges. Meanwhile, the Now Playing interface on the Lock Screen was also upgraded with bolder graphics and fonts.

The iOS 16 beta also features an updated Health data view in storage settings with more details and a new interface when tweaking the design of the Home Screen.