iOS 11 Gets New Echo & Spotlight Screen Effects for iMessages

Apple introduced iMessage effects in iOS 10, which offer creative ways to send messages to other iPhone users. These effects can either be applied to the screen, like seeing an explosion of confetti falling down the display, or to the message bubble itself. iOS 11 brings two new screen effects to iMessage, named "Echo" and "Spotlight," and they look like they'll be a fun addition to the current lineup.

Echo is pretty much what it sounds like — your text is broken up into dozens of other message bubbles that spin around the screen with a 3D effect. It is, in essence, an "echo" of your iMessage.

If the Echo effect is pretty much self-explanatory, Spotlight is even more so. When activated, your message becomes the star of the screen — the display goes black, except for a bright spotlight on your text. It's a great way to make sure your words don't go unnoticed, even just for a short while.

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These two effects are currently available on the beta release of iOS 11. If you want to try it out for yourself, check out our guide on installing iOS 11 on your iPhone for help on that.

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Cover photo and GIFs by Jake Peterson/Gadget Hacks