Draft quick text messages with Apple Intelligence’s predictive writing

Open Messages and start a chat

Open the Messages app on your iPhone. Tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the top-right corner to start a new message. Type the name or phone number of the person you want to message. You’ll see their name appear in blue as you type—tap it to open the chat.

You’ll now see a blank message field at the bottom of the screen with the word “iMessage” above it (if you’re messaging another Apple user) or “Text Message” (if they use Android or another platform).

If it looks different: On older iPhones, the pencil icon might be at the bottom-right instead. Look for a button that looks like a square with a pencil inside.

You'll know it worked when you see a blank chat screen ready for typing.

Begin typing your message

Tap the message field at the bottom of the screen. Start typing your first word—let’s say “Hey” or “Hi”—and pause for a moment. After a second or two, you’ll see predictive suggestions appear above the keyboard in a row of three light-grey bubbles.

These bubbles are Apple Intelligence’s way of finishing your sentence based on what it thinks you’re likely to say next.

Predicted bubbles might show: • “Hey, how’s it going?” • “Hey, what’s up?” • “Hey, did you see the game last night?”

Choose a prediction or keep typing

If one of the predicted bubbles matches what you want to say, tap it once. The full sentence will instantly appear in the message field, ready to send.

If none of the predictions fit, just keep typing normally. The predictions will update as you go.

If it looks different: On some iPhones, the predictions might appear below the message field instead of above the keyboard. If you don’t see bubbles, tap the message field again to bring up the keyboard.

You'll know it worked when the full sentence appears in the message field after tapping a bubble.

Edit the prediction before sending

Sometimes the prediction is almost right—but not perfect. Tap the message field to bring the cursor into the text. You can now edit the prediction just like any normal message.

For example, if the prediction says “Hey, what’s up?” but you want to say “Hey, are you free tomorrow?”, tap the message, move the cursor, and type “are you free tomorrow?” over the predicted part.

You change it to: “Hey, are you free tomorrow?”

You'll know it worked when the message reflects your exact words before you send it.

Send the message with one tap

Once you’re happy with the message—whether it’s a prediction or your own edit—tap the blue arrow (send) button on the right side of the message field.

The message will fly up into the chat and appear as sent.

If it looks different: On some iPhones, the send button might look like a paper airplane instead of an arrow. It’s usually in the same spot.

You'll know it worked when you see your message appear in the blue chat bubble on your screen.

Use predictions in replies too

You can use predictive writing when replying to someone else’s message. Open a chat and tap the message field. Apple Intelligence will look at the last message you received and suggest replies based on its content.

For example, if someone asks “What are you up to this weekend?”, the predictions might show: • “Not much, just relaxing.” • “I’m going to the park with friends.” • “I haven’t decided yet.”

Tap one to send it instantly, or edit it first.

Predicted reply: “Sure, what time?” Tap it → edit to “Sure, what time works for you?” → send.

You'll know it worked when your reply appears in the chat as a sent message.