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iOS 16: How to edit texts on iPhone — even after you've already sent them

ios 16
ios 16 (Image credit: Apple)

"How to edit texts on iPhone" is one of the hottest search queries on Google. After Apple unveiled the new iOS 16 features at WWDC 2022, folks are scrambling to figure out how they can edit delivered texts on their iPhones. 

With this perk, iPhone users no longer need to stomach typos and other embarrassing mistakes. So you may be wondering, "How do I use this cool new feature?" To answer your question, in order to take advantage of this feature, you'll need to update your iPhone to iOS 16, which won't be available to the public until later this year. However, if you're interested in playing around with the beta, check out our "How to download iOS 16 public beta" guide.

Although iOS 16 hasn't rolled out yet, we still have the step-by-step instructions on how an iPhone user would go about editing delivered texts. Check out the guide below to find out how the process works.

How to edit texts on iPhone

As mentioned, before you can edit delivered texts, your phone must have the iOS 16 update, which is expected to roll out to supported iPhones later this year (or you can download the iOS 16 beta). Once your device meets this requirement, follow the instructions below to make changes to your messages.

1. Tap and hold the text you'd like to edit.

Editing texts on iOS 16

(Image credit: Apple)

2. A drop-down menu will appear. Tap "Edit."

Edited text on iOS 16

Edited text on iOS 16 (Image credit: Apple)

3. A cursor will appear, allowing you to edit the part of the text you'd like to alter. Once you're done, hit "Send."

It's literally as easy as one, two, three! Keep in mind that once you hit send, the recipient will be able to see that you've edited the text message. iOS 16 is expected to land on users' devices shortly after the annual iPhone event.

Kimberly Gedeon, holding a Master's degree in International Journalism, launched her career as a journalist for MadameNoire's business beat in 2013. She loved translating stuffy stories about the economy, personal finance and investing into digestible, easy-to-understand, entertaining stories for young women of color. During her time on the business beat, she discovered her passion for tech as she dove into articles about tech entrepreneurship, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the latest tablets. After eight years of freelancing, dabbling in a myriad of beats, she's finally found a home at Laptop Mag that accepts her as the crypto-addicted, virtual reality-loving, investing-focused, tech-fascinated nerd she is. Woot!