News
iMessage reduces the time limit to unsend messages in iOS 16 beta

- July 29, 2022
- Updated: July 2, 2025 at 3:33 AM

The iOS 16 beta is now in its fourth version, with plenty of testing still happening behind the scenes. The new Apple update focuses on some changes in the iMessage app, such as editing history and timelines. One of these updates reduces the time you have to unsend a message, previously set to 15 minutes.
The ability to unsend a message on iOS 16 devices is one of the more recent additions to the beta programme. If you accidentally sent a wrong message to someone on iMessage, you have the ability to quickly unsend it so you don’t embarrass yourself. With the latest update, you only have two minutes to do so.
The reason Apple provided for the reduced time is apparently to stop people from abusing the new feature. You’ll be able to spam people with messages, unsend, and resend too many times in such a long period. The only downfall of the tool at the moment is that you can’t unsend messages from a contact that doesn’t have the new update installed.

Another feature update for iOS 16 has to do with editing a message. You can now see a history of edits on a specific message. It helps if you’re interested in seeing what the person said originally, especially when it has nothing to do with grammar or spelling. It’s also a great way to catch someone out when they’re spamming, and then try to change the original message.
We’re looking forward to many more features to come, such as the possibility of iOS 16 apps completing CAPTCHA verifications for us. If you want to be part of the testing phase, you can sign up for the beta programme.
Latest from Shaun M Jooste
You may also like
NewsSecure Your Sleigh: How to Dodge Online Scams This Holiday Season
Read more
NewsThe Studio Ghibli shorts that you will never be able to see (unless you pay a lot of money in Japan)
Read more
NewsGmail Help Me Write with Gemini: 7 Ready-to-Use Prompts for Complaints, Sales & Internal Memos
Read more
NewsZootopia 2 is the highest-grossing movie of 2025
Read more
NewsAvatar: Fire and Ash is so expensive that it could very well dominate the box office and be an absolute failure
Read more
NewsEditing Offline: What Photoshop’s On-Device AI Can Do
Read more