Sending the fireworks or shooting star animation on your iOS device is just like sending lasers, balloons or confetti. Animations can only be sent between iOS devices running iOS 10 or later. If you are sending effects to someone who is not running iOS 10 or later, or is using a device that does not support iOS 10, they will not be able to see your animation.
The Messages app now includes 4 bubble and 9 screen effects that can enhance any text message sent between iOS devices. These effects include Echo, Spotlight, Balloons, Confetti, Love, Lasers, Fireworks, Shooting Star and Celebration. These animations are available on the "Send with effect" screen" in the Messages app, and they can also be enabled by typing key phrases, such as "Happy Birthday." Here's how to send animated effects in the Messages app:
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One of the built-in features of iOS can easily block specific phone numbers on the iPhone. When a phone number is blocked, it prevents incoming voice calls, messages and FaceTime from getting through. Mail senders can also be blocked, with the Mail app recognizing blocked email addresses and ignoring them.
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For some time, iOS has made it possible to hide alerts on a Messages thread. This can be useful when a slew of text messages comes in, and you need the iPhone to remain quiet. Similar to hide alerts, Apple has added a mute function to email threads on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Update (06/14/19): Verizon has rolled out a new spam/robocalls blocking tool called "Verizon Call Filter." This new feature alerts Verizon customers to to incoming spam calls and allows them to report and block unwanted numbers. Depending on your device, you will see "a name, a picture, city and state when you receive an incoming call, text or voicemail from an unknown number." Click the link above for a Verizon Call Filter guide.
