Send text messages from iPhone to multiple recipients, search messages

One of the most commonly requested features not available by default on the iPhone is the ability to send text messages (SMS) to multiple recipients. Thanks to a new third-party native application created by Shawn Chain, you can now do just that. Dubbed iSMS, the new application also allows you to view messages by category (Inbox, Sent, Draft) and search text messages directly on the iPhone.

Here's how to use this beefed-up SMS application:

• If your iPhone isn't yet set up to receive third-party applications, follow our applications guide and make sure you install Community Sources (as instructed). Next, launch Installer and install iSMS from the "Network" section.
• Launch iSMS, and all of your backlogged text messages will be organized and accessible by the application. Tap the "Message" button in the lower-left portion of the screen to access them.
• To create a message, tap the icon that looks like a pencil writing on a notepad in the upper-right corner (the same icon that's used to create new mail messages in the iPhone's Mail application).
• To send a message to multiple recipients, tap the new message icon, then tap the button to add a recipient from your contact list. Tap the button again to add another recipient, and so forth.
• The search function works exactly as you'd expect: Tap the Search button, enter a term, and press "Search." A list of items containing the term will appear, with the date of sending/receipt indicated.

iSMS boasts some other great capabilities not included in Apple's iPhone SMS application:

• forward SMS messages by tapping an individual message, then tapping the forward button (an arrow icon -- the same used to forward in the iPhone's Mail app).
• call the sender or receiver of a particular text message directly by tapping the "call" button while viewing an individual message.
• access a list of predefined messages by tapping the "Template" button.
• Insert smileys via icons by tapping the "Smiley" button.

Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.