The patent starts by pointing out the drawbacks and limitations of current messaging app. As you’d expect, among them is the ability to edit sent messages. Other popular texting apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are the other obvious ones that lack the ability to edit sent texts. On the other hand, apps that let you do so are fewer in number. Telegram is one that comes immediately to mind.
But beyond the ability to edit sent texts, the Apple patent continues to talk about giving the app more functionality. One of it is allowing Messages to help users quickly find, launch and use apps. In a sense, it’s sort of like turning it into an app launcher of sorts. From the images in the patent, this looks like the standard iOS Dock, but within the Messages app. While the text editing feature is a nice addition, everything else looks like a major makeover for the Messages app. But as with every other patent, it remains to be seen if its contents will ever make it as part of a consumer product. (Source: USPTO via AppleInsider)
