A highly utilized feature of the Messages app, Tapbacks, received a significant enhancement in iOS 18. The traditional tapbacks now come with a fresh look, and you have the option to use any emoji as a tapback. However, there remains a pressing issue with tapbacks that I hope Apple will remedy soon.
The extensive rise of tapbacks in Messages
Group chats, in particular, seem to be the worst culprits.
In some of these group threads, virtually every message sent receives a multitude of tapback reactions from participants.
With the ability to use any emoji as a tapback in iOS 18, messages can now be accompanied by relevant and often humorous tapbacks—which only makes the situation worse.
Luckily, the solution could be quite simple for Apple.
Potential new setting to mute tapback notifications
iOS already provides the option to mute specific threads. You can choose from the following methods:
- Swipe left on the conversation and tap the bell icon
- Alternatively, open the thread, click on the name or number at the top, and toggle the ‘Hide Alerts’ option
What I would prefer is the addition of a single new toggle.
Just a simple toggle: ‘Hide Alerts for Tapbacks’
This way, I could continue to receive notifications for actual messages in a group chat while muting alerts for tapbacks.
I wouldn’t want to mute tapback alerts entirely; just for certain group chats where the constant notifications hinder my ability to follow the conversation.
This simple enhancement to the Messages info screen could make a significant difference.
Do you encounter the same issue? Would you like Apple to implement a new toggle for tapback notifications? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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