Facebook Messenger for iOS gets a redesign with faster, improved UI

Just when we thought Facebook has gone a bit quiet after updating its iOS app with major performance improvements, the social networking giant has rolled out an update for its standalone Messenger app for iOS. The update that brings a new interface, support for iOS 6 and iPhone 5 comes about a week after the app was updated for Android.

So what's new? Well, Messenger 2.0 now features a refreshed user interface that is also faster than the previous version. The conversation view now features speech bubbles that makes it look more like a text client and it also takes cues from Apple's Messages app as opposed to a bland inbox like before.

Further, one swipe to the left and the app reveals a list of friends that are currently online and like in the previous version, the app will tell you when each of your friends was last active on Facebook. You can choose to pin those friends whom you talk to more often to your Favourites.

A feature still lacking in the iOS version when compared to its Android counterpart, is SMS integration within the app. You still cannot text your friends from Messenger on iOS.

Nevertheless, the new features combined with speedier and stability improvements, not to forget the standard bug fixes, do make the update appreciable.

Here's the complete changelog:

What's New in Version 2.0

• Swipe left anywhere in the app to quickly see who's available and send a message
• Add friends you message most to the top of your Favourites
• New design for conversations
• Improved speed and reliability
• Support for iOS 6 and iPhone 5
• Bug fixes

Facebook Messenger (iOS, Free)
Facebook Messenger (Google Play, Free)