One of the most striking features that Apple announced for iOS 16 at its WWDC2022 event was the ability to edit and recall messages that were already sent. This could save you from embarrassment if you accidentally call a colleague an amorous name. It could also allow you to recall messages that have already been sent and give you an escape route if the wrong person is receiving the message. Here is a quick guide to how to recall or edit messages sent on iPhone.

Upgrade to iOS 16

These features are only available to iOS16 so you will need that installed on your iPhone to retrieve any errant messages.

If you are happy to use software that is not yet finished, you can sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program.

How to delete a message from iPhone

Tap and hold the text bubble to recall a message. The options menu will appear when you tap the option menu. Select Undo, Send to delete the message from both your feed and that of the recipient.

This feature can only be used for 15 minutes from the time that the message was sent. Apple states that you can retrieve a message that was deleted in this manner up to 30 days after it was sent.

How to modify a message sent on iPhone

You don’t have to lose heart if you discover that your message has an incorrect spelling or that the autocorrect has changed to something more inappropriate. You can save your life with the new Edit feature in iOS 16.

Just tap on the message to send and wait for the options menu. This is exactly the same as the Undo Send feature. Edit is the one you are looking for. You can interact with the text by tapping this button.

The text will be corrected if you highlight the word or words that are not wanted. You will receive a notification that Delivered has been edited . However, the recipient will not know what was in the original text.

You can’t edit unsent messages after it has been sent. You’ll need to make your excuses and apologies within 15 minutes.