Do exported texts show edited and unsent iMessages?
Since iOS 16, an iMessage can be edited up to five times within 15 minutes and unsent within 2 minutes, and the conversation shows that it happened even when the original words are gone. A good export marks each edited or unsent message with when it happened, and shows reactions and replies, so the printout matches what both people saw.
What the iPhone shows
- Edited: the message says Edited under it, and tapping that shows earlier versions on iOS 16 and later.
- Unsent: a note says a message was unsent, without its text, on both sides when both run iOS 16 or later.
- Older iOS versions on the other end receive edits as new messages, and an unsent message may stay visible to them.
- Reactions, also called Tapbacks, and inline replies are tied to the message they answer.
In a TextExhibit export
Edited messages show the final text with an Edited mark and the time of the last edit; earlier versions are included where the Messages database keeps them. Unsent messages appear as a marked line at the point they were sent, with the time they were unsent where recorded. Reactions show who reacted, how and when, and replies show which message they answer.
What to keep in mind
- Once a message has been unsent, its text is usually gone from the database, and no export can show it.
- SMS and RCS messages cannot be edited or unsent the way iMessages can.
Questions
Can I see what someone wrote before they edited it?
On iOS 16 and later, tap Edited under the message to see earlier versions. An export includes them where the database keeps them.
Does deleting a message for myself count as unsending?
No. Deleting removes the message from your devices only; the other person still has it. Unsending removes it on both sides, within 2 minutes.
Are reactions included in the PDF?
Yes, as a short line under the message they react to, with the person and the time. You can turn them off in the export options.
Export the whole conversation
TextExhibit turns a conversation into one PDF with exact times, names and numbers, photos in place and page numbers, on your Mac. Free to preview; $24.99 once to export.