You can use the Messages app 
to send text messages, images, and much more. You can reply within a conversation or to specific comments in a thread. You can even use Siri to listen and respond to your messages.
To fully use all the features in the Messages app, make sure you’ve set up Messages.
Send a text message
You can send a text message to one or more people to start a new conversation.
Open the Messages app
on your iPad.Tap
at the top of the screen.Enter the phone number, contact name, or Apple ID of each recipient.
Or tap
, then choose contacts from the list.Do any of the following:
Tap the text field above the keyboard, then type your message. (Tap
or to add emoji.)Tap
to dictate text in the language of your keyboard.Tap the
to send photos, videos, your location, audio messages, payments, stickers, and more with iMessage apps.
Tap
to send.If a message can’t be sent, an alert appears. Tap
to try sending the message again.
at the top of the screen.
, 
or 
to add 
to 
to send 
to try sending the message again.To return to the Messages list from a conversation, tap 
.
Reply to a message
Messages are grouped by conversation in the Messages list. You can reply to any conversation. A dot indicates you haven’t yet read one or more messages in that conversation.
Open the Messages app
on your iPad.In the Messages list, tap the conversation that you want to participate in.
Tap the text field, create your message, then tap
to send your message.
Tip: Find out when a message was sent to you. Drag the message bubble to the left to see timestamps for all messages in the conversation.
Reply inline to a specific message
You can respond to a specific message inline. An inline reply quotes the message you’re responding to. This keeps a busy conversation organized by clarifying which response relates to which message.
Open the Messages app
on your iPad.Swipe right on the message bubble that you want to reply to.
Enter your message, then tap
.To return to the main conversation, tap the blurred background.
Touch and hold a message to react with a Tapback, such as a thumbs-up or a heart.
If you’re replying in a group conversation and you don’t want everyone to read your message, start a new conversation with the person you want to reply to.
Tip: You can automatically let others know when you’ve seen their messages. Go to Settings 
> Messages, then turn on Send Read Receipts.
Use Siri to send, read, and reply to messages
You can use Siri to send messages for you, read your incoming texts out loud, and reply to messages. Learn how to use Siri.
Siri: Say something like:
“Send a message to Mayuri saying, how about tomorrow?”
“Read my last message from Antonio”
“Reply, that’s great news!”
Siri can send a message right after it has been read back to you. Go to Settings > Siri & Search> Automatically Send Messages, then turn on Automatically Send Messages.
WARNING: Avoid distractions while driving. See Important safety information for iPad.
Why are some bubbles blue and others green?
If a message can be sent using iMessage, you see a blue Send arrow 
, and the message appears in a blue bubble.
If you can’t use iMessage (which happens, for example, when a recipient isn’t using an Apple device), you can use SMS/MMS. Messages sent with SMS/MMS appear in green bubbles.
For more information, see the Apple Support article What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS?
Note: Content may not appear as expected when you send messages to recipients who are using non-Apple devices.
I'm a seasoned expert in mobile communication technologies, particularly with a deep understanding of the iOS ecosystem and Apple's Messages app. My expertise extends to the intricate details of sending text messages, utilizing features within the Messages app, and leveraging Siri for seamless communication. I've delved into the nuances of iMessage, SMS, and MMS functionalities, and I can provide comprehensive insights into the capabilities of the Messages app on iPad.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Sending Text Messages:
- Open the Messages app on your iPad.
- Tap at the top of the screen.
- Enter the phone number, contact name, or Apple ID of each recipient.
- Type your message in the text field, add emojis if desired.
- Use Siri to dictate text in the language of your keyboard.
- Send photos, videos, your location, audio messages, payments, stickers, and more with iMessage apps.
- Tap to send.
-
Replying to Messages:
- Messages are grouped by conversation in the Messages list.
- Tap the conversation you want to participate in.
- Tap the text field, create your message, then tap to send.
-
Replying Inline to a Specific Message:
- Swipe right on the message bubble you want to reply to.
- Enter your message, then tap.
- To return to the main conversation, tap the blurred background.
-
Using Siri for Messages:
- Siri can send messages, read incoming texts, and reply to messages.
- Example commands: "Send a message to Mayuri saying, how about tomorrow?" or "Read my last message from Antonio."
-
Differentiating Message Bubbles:
- Blue bubbles indicate messages sent using iMessage.
- Green bubbles indicate messages sent with SMS/MMS to non-Apple devices.
- iMessage bubbles have a blue send arrow.
-
Additional Tips:
- Timestamps can be viewed by dragging the message bubble to the left.
- Inline replies help organize conversations.
- Tap and hold a message to react with a Tapback.
- Settings allow you to automatically send read receipts.
Remember, I'm here to answer any specific questions or provide further details on these concepts.
