6 apps for Chatting with friends and family

Text away to your heart's content

- Alex Blake

Messages

> Free > FROM apple.com/uk > NEEDS IOS 10 or later

Apple's Messages app comes with your iPhone, but that doesn't mean it's a drab, default affair. It's stacked with handy features, including automatic translation of incoming messages, a Check In tool that lets loved ones know you're safe, and Tapback, which allows you to reply with a quick tap on your iPhone. With end-to-end encryption and tie-ins with Apple's other offerings (like Genmoji, SharePlay and Shared with You), it's a strong choice for Apple fans.

WhatsApp

> Free > FROM whatsapp.com > NEEDS IOS 15.1 or later

WhatsApp is ideal if you have a lot of friends and family who don't use iOS devices. Unlike Apple's Messages, you don't lose any features when you message people cross-platform on WhatsApp. That means you can text, voice call and video message to any connected device, send GIFs, stickers, photos and videos, share your status and take part in group conversations, and more. With end-to-end encryption, it keeps your private data safely under lock and key, too.