As an Apple fanatic since my first iPod Touch and former Genius Bar techie, I‘ve seen iMessage evolve over the years from a basic texting app into a dynamic, visceral messaging system full of delight.
One small but shining example of this is the balloons full-screen effect — sending messages buoyed by a vibrant cloud of rainbow balloons.
Let‘s explore the story behind iMessage effects, when and how to send balloons your loved ones‘ way, and a peek at what the future may hold. I‘m excited to guide you through it all!
An iMessage Service Powering Trillions of Balloons
It‘s easy to take iMessage capabilities like screen effects for granted. But Apple‘s infrastructure powering iMessage is truly staggering.
Consider a few stats:
- 200 billion iMessages sent daily as of 2022, per Apple
- 85% of iPhone users leverage iMessage regularly
- Average iOS user opens iMessage 83 times and spends 67 minutes in-app daily (SensorTower)
That‘s a lot of balloons!
Apple dominates the critical 18-24 age demographic in the US, meaning most young adults here rely on iMessage as their primary messaging platform.
Compare this to WhatsApp, which Facebook touts for 100 billion messages sent daily. Global user bases vary drastically, but it‘s clear Apple holds impressive market share in regions like North America.
Given iMessage‘s integral role in day-to-day digital communication for millions, even a supposedly trivial addition like the balloons effect brings joy at tremendous scale.
Balloons Effect Availability by Device
Full-screen effects require a device running at least iOS 10. Here‘s a breakdown of iPhone models supporting balloons and related effects:
| iPhone Model | Release Year | iOS Version | Effects Compatible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 5 | 2012 | iOS 10 (max) | ❌ |
| iPhone 5S | 2013 | iOS 12 (max) | ✅ |
| iPhone 6 | 2014 | iOS 12 (max) | ✅ |
| iPhone 6S | 2015 | iOS 15 (current) | ✅ |
| iPhone 7 | 2016 | iOS 15 (current) | ✅ |
| iPhone 8 | 2017 | iOS 15 (current) | ✅ |
Data source: Apple Support
So you‘ll want to double check the recipient has an iPhone 5S or newer.
What about Android phones or other Apple products?
Limitations Across Platforms
Android messaging apps don‘t support iMessage screen effects. And effects likely appear differently across Apple devices.
Here‘s a comparison:
| Platform | Effects Supported? | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | ✅ | None |
| Android Smartphone (via SMS) | ❌ | Can send SMS only |
| Android Smartphone (via chat app) | ❌ | Effects not supported |
| iPad | ❌ | May appear oddly scaled |
| Mac OS | ❌ | Text-only, no visuals |
| Apple Watch | ❌ | Small screen can‘t showcase visuals |
The biggest gotcha is accidentally texting a green-bubble Android user and having your balloons pop. So confirm the blue chat color first!
Now that you know the state of play for modern messaging effects, when should you send balloons specifically?
Pick the Right Occasion for Balloons Joy
Balloons make ordinary texts extraordinary. They instantly amplify the feeling of celebration.
I encourage embracing your inner child-like wonder and sending balloons for:
- Milestone birthdays (especially ages 13, 16, 18, 21, 30, 40, 50 etc.)
- Graduations (high school, college, even preschool!)
- Baby announcements
- Weddings
- New home purchase
- Epic vacation pics
- Sending good luck for job interviews, races, music recitals
You may recall the anticipation of untying those ribbons yourself on childhood birthdays. Bring back that nostalgic thrill for someone special!
Step Into Their Shoes
Imagine your loved one on their special day, phone buzzing with notification after notification.
We all suffer app overload. Standing out in a thoughtful way has immense value.
Now picture their face lighting up at balloons floating across the iPhone screen, among the expected texts but so much more fun.
You sent that text — the most whimsical, buoyant one yet on this special day. That twist of delight and surprise was priceless.
Let‘s make it happen for real!
Follow Me Through Each Step
Sending balloons only takes seconds. We‘ll walk through each phase together:
Step 1: Craft a Heartfelt Message
Open your iMessage thread and thoughtfully compose your text first.
Say why you‘re reaching out and offer congratulations or well wishes relevant to the occasion.
Step 2: Locate and Long-Press Send
Hover over that animated blue Send button after typing your message.
Now press and hold the button for about 2 seconds until you feel a subtle haptic buzz.
You‘ll then see a special effects menu slide up from screen bottom. You can release your finger now.
Step 3: Choose Dazzling Screen Effects
About halfway up the menu, tap the Screen tab if not already selected.
This showcases the full-screen extravaganzas like our fabulous balloons 🎈
Go ahead and scroll left through the options until you spot everyone‘s favorite: Send with Balloons.
Tap it to select the effect. Joy awaits!
Step 4: Review and Send Your Message
One last chance to proofread! Adding an effect won‘t distort your original message.
All good? Hit send and watch your heartfelt note drift upwards, bouquet of balloons in tow!
Now your friend will enjoy colorful floating orbs surrounding your text when they open iMessage.
Pro Tip: Dress up photos too! Effects work just as well with pics/videos.
And that‘s all it takes to make someone‘s day more magical. Way more eye-catching than sending plain words!
Let‘s answer a few common questions next.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Sending These Dazzling Digital Balloons
Q: Can I undo an effect before sending if I change my mind?
No problem! Just tap the little x or back arrow. This cancels the effect and returns you to the standard text screen.
Q: What if my balloons don‘t successfully send?
Chances are strong the recipient isn‘t using an iPhone/iMessage if you see issues. Confirm it‘s a blue chat, not green (indicating SMS).
Q: How recent does the iPhone model need to be?
As the table above showed, iPhone 5S and newer generally support effects assuming software is also up-to-date.
Q: Do effects count against my allowed character quantity per iMessage?
Nope, effects are considered display flourishes only. Your character count focuses strictly on textual content.
Q: Can I overlay multiple effects at once?
Unfortunately not. You can only tag one effect onto a message for now. Fingers crossed for more creative control in the future!
Q: Do balloons cost extra data or money to send?
Not at all! Apple doesn‘t charge for any standard iMessage capabilities. Data requirements are also minimal.
That wraps up the key balloon effect questions. Now what does the future hold for iMessage innovation?
The Sky‘s the Limit for iMessage Advancements
While playful on the surface, effects represent millions of engineering hours in Apple‘s obsessive quest to delight users.
But for now, screen effects haven‘t radically changed since their iOS 10 debut in 2016.
Might Apple unveil a fresh batch of effects for users to enjoy with iOS 17, likely coming September 2023? I expect so!
I‘d personally love to see advancements like:
- More personalized Memoji effects
- Multi-effect messaging
- Physics-based effects like fireworks or confetti that float around dynamically
- Abstract aesthetic effects like trippy rainbow animations
Apple designers usually hold back features until they feel truly magical and whimsical enough for customers.
I predict substantial iMessage updates that push creative personal expression further. Apple wins hearts (and wallets) by sweating tiny interactions until they spark joy.
In closing, I hope this guide helps you make your loved ones smile brighter on special days! Don‘t underestimate tiny thoughtful gestures and the memories they build over a lifetime.
Grab some balloons and send that one-of-a-kind congratulations message!
