X introduces edit feature for direct messages on iOS

X has rolled out the highly requested feature of editing direct messages, starting with iOS users. The new feature allows users to modify their sent messages without a time limit, although they are limited to five edits per message.

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X, the social network owned by Elon Musk, has introduced a much-anticipated feature that allows users to edit their direct messages (DMs). The rollout began over the weekend, initially available to iOS users. One of the company’s engineers confirmed the release on social media, noting that the edit message feature would soon expand to other platforms.

The new feature is straightforward to use. Users need to open a direct message chat in the X iOS app, long-press on any sent message, or tap on the three-dot menu beside the message. From there, they can select the “Edit message” option to make changes to the sent message. Notably, there is no time limit for editing messages, allowing users to modify even older DMs. However, users are limited to five edits per message, a restriction similar to the one applied to editing posts on the platform.

Although X maintains a log of edited messages for security purposes, it currently does not display the version history of these messages. This omission contrasts with some other platforms that offer version histories for transparency.

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The ability to edit messages is a standard feature in many messaging apps, and users have come to expect it. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Messenger have long provided this functionality. Even Apple’s iMessage introduced the feature with iOS 16, making it a standard in the messaging landscape. X’s introduction of this feature, though delayed, is a welcome addition that aligns the platform with the expectations of modern messaging app users.