iOS 18 Tapback: React with Any Emoji and Sticker

Apple’s iOS 18 introduces a major update to the Messages app by expanding Tapback reactions beyond the original six icons to support any emoji or sticker. This article outlines the newly added Tapback capabilities, including access to the complete emoji library, support for custom and Live Stickers, visual redesigns of classic icons, and how to use these new reactions in daily conversations.

Full Emoji Library Integration

In previous versions of iOS, Tapbacks were restricted to six predefined symbols: Heart, Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down, HaHa, Exclamation Marks, and Question Mark. With iOS 18, users can now react to any message bubble using the entire Unicode emoji catalog.

When you long-press a message bubble, the standard Tapback bar appears, accompanied by recently used emoji suggestions. Tapping the newly added emoji icon opens the full keyboard picker, allowing you to search for and select any emoji to attach directly to the message.

Sticker and Live Sticker Reactions

Tapbacks in iOS 18 are no longer limited to standard text emojis; they now fully support stickers as reactions. Users can apply:

  • Custom Stickers: Stickers created by lifting subjects from personal photos in the Photos app.
  • Live Stickers: Animated stickers generated from Live Photos that maintain their looping motion on the message bubble.
  • Memoji: Personalized Memoji and Animoji expressions.
  • Third-Party Stickers: Packs downloaded from the iMessage App Store.

Previously, stickers had to be manually dragged and dropped onto message bubbles, often resulting in misaligned placement. In iOS 18, selecting a sticker via the Tapback menu automatically anchors it neatly to the corner of the message bubble just like a standard reaction.

Redesigned Classic Tapback Icons

The original six Tapback reactions have received a visual overhaul. Rather than the monochromatic, flat shading used in earlier iOS versions, the default reactions now feature vibrant, multi-colored designs that make them more visually prominent against both light and dark backgrounds.

How to Use the Expanded Tapbacks

  1. Long-press any message bubble in the Messages app.
  2. View the refreshed standard reactions and your recently used emojis in the quick-access row.
  3. Swipe left on the quick-access options or tap the grey circle icon showing an emoji and sticker outline.
  4. Select any emoji from the keyboard or switch tabs to choose a saved sticker.
  5. The chosen emoji or sticker will attach to the corner of the target message.

Viewing Multiple and Mixed Reactions

When multiple participants in a group chat react to a message using different emojis or stickers, iOS 18 stacks them compactly. Tapping the reaction counter on a bubble reveals a full list showing which participant left each specific emoji, sticker, or classic Tapback.