9to5Mac exclusively reported some of the details and new features of the upcoming iOS 14, which will be officially announced by Apple next month. Now we have found evidence that Apple is working to completely replace the Messages app on macOS with a Catalyst version, based on iOS 14 code.
iMessage has gained several new features since 2011, including extensions, stickers, and message effects. But none of this is available to Mac users, as macOS still has a basic version of the Messages app that only works to send and receive standard messages.
However, that might change soon, since we have found evidence of a Catalyst version of the Messages app in an early build of iOS 14 obtained by 9to5Mac. In other words, this means Apple will bring the same Messages app from iOS and iPadOS to the Mac, which includes all those effects and features we mentioned earlier.
The Catalyst technology allows developers to port their apps from iOS to macOS. Although Apple has already introduced some Catalyst apps, such as Voice Memos, Podcast, and Stocks, none of the native macOS apps have been replaced by the iOS version yet — iTunes has been discontinued to be replaced with three new apps, but the Music app is still a native Mac app.
A Catalyst app still has its limitations, but it can be perfect for an app like Messages. While iMessage is updated every year on iPhone and iPad, Apple has nearly abandoned the Mac version. Having the same app on all platforms will certainly make it easier for the company to offer the same options on iOS and macOS.
We expect the Catalyst Messages app to be introduced with the next version of macOS, which will also be announced to developers in June.
More from iOS 14:
- Apple Watch blood oxygen detection feature found in iOS 14 code snippet
- iOS 14 icon leak reveals first look at Apple’s high-end, over-ear headphones with AirPods features
- Apple developing new augmented reality app for iOS 14, testing Apple Store and Starbucks partnership
- iOS 14 reveals iPhone 9 and updated iPad Pro details, new Apple TV remote, AirTags, more
- HomeKit in iOS 14: Face recognition, Apple TV audio, Night Shift for lights
- iOS 14 to include new homescreen list view option with Siri suggestions and more
- watchOS 7 to include new ‘International’ Apple Watch face with multiple country flags
- iOS 14: CarPlay wallpapers, deeper Apple Store integration in Maps
- ‘Find My’ features found in iOS 14 code include new notification triggers and AR mode
- iOS 14 code reveals Apple working with BMW on futuristic ‘CarKey’ iPhone feature
- iOS 14 code reveals updated Activity rings for Apple Watch in upcoming kids mode on watchOS 7
- iOS 14: Keychain password manager to gain new 1Password-like features
- Leaked iOS 14 screenshot shows new wallpaper settings, beta code reveals Home screen widgets
- iOS 14: Apple developing ‘Clips’ feature for using apps without requiring full downloads
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