for iOS 9.1 software

iPhone 6s Plus, press the Messages icon, then tap New Message.
Note: An alert appears if a message can’t be sent. Tap the alert in a
conversation to try sending the message again.
Ask Siri. Say something like:
“Send a message to Emily saying how about tomorrow
“Read my messages
“Read my last message from Bob”
“Reply thats great news
Preview a conversation. On iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, press a
conversation in the Messages list to get a peek at the conversation, then
press a little deeper to open it.
Quickly respond to a message. On iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, press
a conversation in the Messages list, then swipe up to see available
actions.
Resume a conversation. Tap the conversation in the Messages list.
Use picture characters. When you type a message, tap or to
change to the Emoji keyboard. See .Special input methods