Apple is determined to fix the iMessage autocorrect feature, such as the mismatching words, so that it causes less confusion and presumably less hilarity.
The company has filed a patent application for a system that tells the recipient which words from a text message were spelled out via Autocorrect.
The system will not display the original text message, but instead will highlight the words that Autocorrect replaced. In a way, this is the phone's way of taking responsibility for the possible misunderstandings from the text. It could also save a lot of time and back-and-forth explanatory dialogue that happens when a hurried sender types and sends messages without double checking.
The autocorrect feature of iMessage is, next to LOLcats, one of the richest sources of Internet amusement. As the texting assistant often modifies basic texts into offensive, sexual, or just completely off-base content, iPhone owners learned to be mindful of what they're sending around.
AppleInsider was the first to spot the patent, from which we diligently quote:
"The replacement character string is visually distinguished within the transcript from one or more other character strings in the transcript," reads Apple's patent.
This is not the first time Apple deploys highlights to avoid possible errors in its apps.
The feature already exists in iOS voice dictation, where the software underlines in blue the words that it is not sure about. No official information permeated about the feature landing on iOS anytime soon, but there is a chance to hear about soon enough.
The annual Apple WWDC gathering takes place in June, where the company promises to unveil iOS 10.
Another extremely useful addition to any texting service would be to edit or delete erroneously sent messages, and iOS users should know that Apple has that covered — in a way. Earlier this year, the company filed another patent for a technology that lets users correct their message before it reaches another user.
Keep in mind that swiftness is key in these situations, meaning that if you notice a typo or unintended double-innuendo while "sending" is displayed, you can still edit the text. If you miss the small window of opportunity, you are faced with the classical dilemma "To correct, or not to correct."
Regardless which of the two patents land on Apple's mobile devices, we will keep you posted.
