SMS Background on iPhone iOS 8: A Comprehensive Guide

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Introduction

Hey there, readers! Welcome to our complete guide to understanding SMS backgrounds on your iPhone running iOS 8. We’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of setting customized backgrounds, managing notifications, and exploring additional features to enhance your messaging experience. So, grab your iOS device and prepare to elevate your SMS game!

Customizing SMS Backgrounds

Choosing a Default Background

iOS 8 offers an array of pre-defined background images to personalize your SMS conversations. To access these backgrounds:

  • Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
  • Tap on a conversation thread.
  • In the text field, tap the "Details" icon (the "i" within a circle).
  • Under "Background," tap on "Choose a Background."

Browse through the available options and select the one that suits your style.

Setting a Custom Photo Background

If you prefer a more personal touch, you can set your own photo as the background:

  • Follow the steps outlined in "Choosing a Default Background" above.
  • Tap on "Choose a Photo."
  • Select the desired photo from your Camera Roll or Photos app.
  • Adjust the photo’s positioning and tap "Set."

Managing SMS Notifications

Customizing Notification Sounds

iOS 8 allows you to assign specific sounds to different contacts, so you can easily identify who’s messaging you without even looking at your phone. Here’s how:

  • Open the Contacts app.
  • Select the contact you want to customize.
  • Tap on "Edit."
  • Scroll down to "Text Tone" and select a sound from the list.

Managing Message Previews

To protect your privacy or avoid distractions, you can control how much of the message is shown in notifications:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap on "Notifications" and then "Messages."
  • Choose between "Show Previews," "Show Only Alerts," or "Hide Alerts."

Additional SMS Features

Quick Reply and Mark as Read

  • Quickly respond to messages from the lock screen without unlocking your phone.
  • Mark messages as read even without opening the conversation thread.

Rich Messaging

  • Exchange animated GIFs, videos, and even contact cards with other iOS 8 users.

Group Messaging

  • Create group conversations with multiple contacts and easily manage participant settings.

SMS Background Table Breakdown

Feature Description Accessibility
Default Backgrounds Predefined images provided by iOS All iOS 8 users
Custom Photo Backgrounds Use your own photos as backgrounds All iOS 8 users
Custom Notification Sounds Assign unique sounds to specific contacts All iOS 8 users
Notification Previews Control how much of the message is shown in notifications All iOS 8 users
Quick Reply Respond to messages from the lock screen All iOS 8 users
Mark as Read Mark messages as read without opening the conversation All iOS 8 users
Rich Messaging Share GIFs, videos, and contact cards Only between iOS 8 users
Group Messaging Create and manage group conversations All iOS 8 users

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! This comprehensive guide has covered everything you need to know about customizing SMS backgrounds and managing notifications in iOS 8. Explore the various features, personalize your messaging experience, and enjoy the improved convenience and efficiency.

Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more tips and tricks to enhance your iPhone and iOS experience.

FAQ about SMS background iPhone iOS 8

Can I send SMS messages in the background in iOS 8?

Yes, you can send SMS messages in the background in iOS 8 using the BGTaskScheduler API. This allows your app to continue sending messages even when it is not running in the foreground.

What are the requirements for sending SMS messages in the background?

To send SMS messages in the background, your app must:

  • Be granted the UIBackgroundModes entitlement for the remote-notification background mode.
  • Implement the BGTaskScheduler API.
  • Use the BGProcessingTaskRequest class to create a task request that specifies the content of the SMS message and the recipient’s phone number.

How do I create a task request to send an SMS message?

To create a task request to send an SMS message, use the following code:

let taskRequest = BGProcessingTaskRequest(identifier: "com.example.myapp.send-sms")
taskRequest.requiresNetworkConnectivity = true
taskRequest.earliestBeginDate = Date(timeIntervalSinceNow: 10) // Send the message in 10 seconds
taskRequest.expires = Date(timeIntervalSinceNow: 60 * 60) // The task will expire in 1 hour
let requestEncoder = JSONEncoder()
let requestData = try requestEncoder.encode(SMSMessage(to: "+1234567890", body: "Hello, world!"))
taskRequest.setInputData(requestData)

How do I schedule a task to send an SMS message?

To schedule a task to send an SMS message, use the following code:

let taskScheduler = BGTaskScheduler.shared()
taskScheduler.submit(taskRequest) { error in
    if let error = error {
        print("Error scheduling task: \(error)")
    }
}

How do I handle the task completion?

When the task completes, your app will receive a BGTaskCompletionHandler object. You can use this object to complete the task and perform any necessary cleanup.

What happens if the task fails?

If the task fails, your app will receive a BGTaskError object. You can use this object to determine the cause of the failure and take appropriate action.

Can I send SMS messages to multiple recipients?

Yes, you can send SMS messages to multiple recipients by specifying an array of phone numbers in the to property of the SMSMessage object.

Can I send MMS messages?

No, you cannot send MMS messages using the BGTaskScheduler API.

Can I use the BGTaskScheduler API to send SMS messages from a third-party app?

No, you cannot use the BGTaskScheduler API to send SMS messages from a third-party app. Only apps that are installed on the user’s device can send SMS messages using the BGTaskScheduler API.