While iMessage is one of the most widely used messaging platforms, it lacks basic text formatting options like bold and italics that have become standard in other communication tools. This limitation makes it harder for users to emphasize important points, reduces professionalism in work communications, and restricts creative expression through text.

How It Could Work

One approach could be developing a third-party keyboard extension for iOS that adds formatting capabilities to iMessage. Users would install this keyboard from the App Store, then switch to it when composing messages. The keyboard would provide intuitive formatting buttons (bold, italics, etc.), with the formatted text appearing properly styled in message bubbles. For recipients without the extension, the system could fall back to showing visible formatting markers (like *asterisks* for italics) to maintain clarity.

Potential Benefits and Challenges

This solution could particularly benefit professionals, students, and anyone wanting more expressive messaging without switching apps. The keyboard extension approach works within Apple's existing ecosystem constraints, though adoption would depend on users being willing to install a separate keyboard just for formatting features.

An initial version could start with basic formatting options (bold, italics) as a free download, with potential to expand to more advanced features like text colors or custom fonts as premium options. The success of such a project would largely depend on demonstrating sufficient user demand and carefully navigating Apple's app approval process.