Math and conversions aren’t everyone’s strong suit, and that’s okay. With that iOS 18 Tip, you don’t need to open your Calculator app to solve tricky equations, and you won’t need to open Google to look up a conversion rate. Instead, you can just use your Messages app.
Before iOS 18, if you wanted to know how to share a bill with your remote texting group, you had to use your calculator app or Spotlight and then go back to Messages. With iOS 18, you can perform multi-step calculations in Messages, as well as convert things like currency and temperature, without switching apps.
Learn more: iOS 18 brings these new features to your iPhone
Here’s how to get Messages to perform calculations.
How to solve math problems in Messages
In order to solve a math equation in Messages, type the problem in your text field, add the equal sign (=) and the solution will appear in the predictive text field on your keyboard. Tap the solution to add it to your text.
Messages can solve simple equations, like “2+2=”, by typing them into the text field. The app can also solve equations that use more complex formulas, like the trigonometric functions of sine, cosine, and tangent. You must include the equal sign (=) in the end no matter what.
How to convert values in messages
Converting values in Messages works the same as solving math problems in the app. Type the value into your text box with the appropriate value marker – such as F for Fahrenheit or lbs for pounds – then type the equal sign (=), and the predictive text field above your keyboard will show you the conversion.
If you don’t specify what to convert to, predictive text will choose what to convert to. Don’t worry, it won’t try to convert pounds to minutes. Messages will show conversions to other similar units, so Fahrenheit will convert to Celsius and pounds to kilograms.
You can choose what to convert to by typing something like “60hr to min=” and Messages will show the conversion in the predictive text field, which is 3,900 minutes.
To learn more about iOS 18, here’s what you need to know iOS 18.2 And iOS 18.1 and our iOS 18 Cheat Sheet. You can also check what might happen on your iPhone with iOS 18.3.
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