Apple CEO Tim Cook would like Snapchat and WhatsApp to disappear.
The tech giant on Monday said it will start offering disappearing texts — just like those of popular messaging app Snapchat.
The next version of Apple’s operating system for mobile devices, due this fall, will let users send pictures, audio snippets and even videos through its iMessage texting app, Apple executive Greg Joswiak said at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday.
What’s more, the messaging service will let communications “expire,” Joswiak said.
That’s bad news for competing messaging services, like Snapchat and WhatsApp, which also market their ability to send picture and video messages that disappear following receipt.
It’s also potentially troubling for Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, who dropped $19 billion to buy WhatsApp this year in hopes that the messaging app’s explosive growth will continue around the globe.
Apple’s smooth move wasn’t lost on WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum, who tweeted about the Cupertino, Calif., company’s reveal shortly after it was made.
“Very flattering to see Apple ‘borrow’ numerous WhatsApp features into iMessage in iOS 8 #innovation,” Koum wrote.
Apple’s new texting features were just some of the dozens of changes — also announced on Monday — to its operating systems for laptops and mobile devices.
Other such exciting news from Apple includes:
- The new Mac operating system (Yosemite) looks a lot more like Apple’s OS for mobile devices, or iOS 8, including capabilities for taking calls on computers and more easily saving information across devices.
- Apple also unveiled a health application, HealthKit, to let users track their personal health and fitness.
- With the touch of a button, HomeKit will allow users to interact with features in their homes, such as the lighting or door locks.
The introduction of these new apps raises interest in what else Apple has up its sleeve, said S&P Capital’s Scott Kessler.
“Clearly the health app strongly indicates that a wearable device is coming,” Kessler said.
Apple shares have risen in recent weeks in anticipation that it’s close to unveiling a new product line in the form of a smart watch.
The watch is expected to replace the iPod and complement its recently acquired Beats streaming service.