Facebook Messenger 4.0 app for iOS brings group chat, forwarding

Facebook has started rolling out an update to its Messenger app for iOS. The update takes Facebook Messenger to version 4.0, with changes focused primarily on group chat options along with some message forwarding tweaks for the user's ease.

With Facebook Messenger 4.0 for iOS, users can now create groups for those friends they interact the most with. Groups such as roommates, family, colleagues, college and others can be created by users, renamed, and allotted an image. Users can simply tap on groups under 'contacts' section in the messenger app to create a group. For group chat options, all the contacts will have to be using the Facebook Messenger service.

This group messaging feature has been in several messaging services, including WhatsApp - the company Facebook has announced it is acquiring. The updated Facebook Messenger for iOS app is compatible with devices running iOS 6.0 or higher.

Facebook, as part of Messenger 4.0 for iOS, has also made forwarding of messages and photos easier. Users can now forward a message or a photo with a 'forward' button. "Forwarding: Want to send a message or photo to someone who isn't in the conversation? Just tap to forward it," states the Facebook Messenger app listing page.

With other improvements in the Messenger app regarding its speed and reliability, the latest 4.0 version is now available to download from the Apple iTunes Store for free.

The Facebook Messenger app for iOS is available for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch running iOS 6.0 or later.

Earlier this month, Facebook rolled-out the voice-calling feature for its Messenger app in India. The service, available for both Android and iOS, will let users call their Facebook contacts for free, using either mobile data or Wi-Fi, similar to other VoIP services. It has been additionally mentioned that users cannot ring up a Facebook friend who is logged in through the website, and mobile or landline numbers cannot be dialled.