iOS 18: How to Make Messages Do the Math for You

Apple released iOS 18 to the general public on Sept. 16, a week after the company announced its new iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10 and more at its “Glowtime” event. The update brings a lot of new features to your iPhone, like more ways to customize your home and lock screens, as well as RCS messaging. And the operating system also lets you perform math problems right in your Messages app, too.

Prior to iOS 18, if you wanted to figure out how to split a bill with your texting group from afar, you’d have to use your calculator app or Spotlight and then switch back to Messages. With iOS 18 you can perform multistep calculations in Messages — as well as convert things like currency and temperature — without switching apps.

Here’s how to make Messages perform calculations.

How to solve math problems in Messages

Messages performing various math equations in the text field — Apple/Screenshot by CNET

In order to solve a math equation in Messages, type the problem into your text field, add the equals sign (=) and the solution will appear in the predictive text field over 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 need to include the equals sign (=) at the end no matter what.

How to convert values in Messages

Converting values in Messages works similar to solving math problems in the app. Type the value into your text box with the appropriate value marker — like F for Fahrenheit or lbs for pounds — and then type the equal sign (=), and the predictive text field above your keyboard will show you the conversion.

Messages performing various conversions — Apple/Screenshot by CNET

If you don’t indicate 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 will convert to kilograms.

You can choose what to convert to by typing something like “60hr to min=” and Messages will display the conversion in the predictive text field — that’s 3,900 minutes.

For more on iOS 18, here’s my review of iOS 18, how to ensure RCS messaging is enabled on your iPhone and our iOS 18 cheat sheet. You can also check out everything Apple announced at its September event.