Navigating the Messages app menu can be a bit disconcerting for some users, especially if you’re new to using the app. Messages App or “iMessage” on the iPhone. Adding, managing and removing these apps may not be as easy as we expected, but don’t worry because we’ve got you covered with this guide on how to make the most of these new features.
The New Appearance of the Messages App Applications in iOS 17
When Apple introduced iOS 17, It was highlighted how the Messages apps to improve the user experience. Apple developers moved away from the idea of cluttering the keyboard with new features and introduced a sleeker, simpler, and hidden interface for these apps. This way the conversation space is clearer and more visually attractive.
Now, inside a message chat in iOS 17, you’ll find a small plus sign on the left side, just before the text entry area. Tapping this plus sign will bring up an animated overlay showing five built-in apps or features, along with a “More” button for additional options.
Customizing the options list
By default, this initial list of built-in applications includes:
- Camera
- Photos
- Stickers
- Audio
- Location
The plus sign serves as the way to quickly access these apps or Messages features. But there’s more to explore, as you can also customize which apps appear in this initial list. You can even change the number of apps displayed, from none (excluding the “More” button) to a maximum of 11, in addition to the “More” button.
How to customize the list of options and applications?
The managing the order of Messages applications It is done in a similar way to the way we add them. Follow these steps to do it:
- Within a message chat, Tap the plus sign on the left side.
- If the app you want is in the first list, tap and hold it to rearrange it.
- If it is not in the initial list, tap “More” to access the second list.
- Scroll down to find the app you want, tap and hold it, then drag it.
- By dragging the app high enough, it will exit the “More” screen and become part of the first overlay.
You can also move them from the “More” list to the first overlay and then rearrange them as you see fit.
It’s important to note that there appears to be one exception when it comes to moving apps: the app. App Store It stays permanently at the top of the “More” screen, it cannot be rearranged.
Add and remove apps in the Messages App
While you can use any app that appears in Messages, deleting one of these apps is not easy. To delete a Messages app, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down to “Messages.”
- Within that section, tap “iMessage Apps.”
- Find the app you want to delete and tap the red delete icon on the left.
- Confirm the deletion by tapping “Delete.”
- In the pop-up message that appears, tap “Delete” again.
It’s important to note that iOS will warn you that deleting an app this way will delete it not only in the Messages app, but also from your iPhone as a whole. You can’t keep the app on your phone and delete it only from your Messages App list.
Although iOS 17 has made the Messages apps more elegant and efficient, understanding exactly how they work and managing them may take some learning time or a tutorial like this one to learn. With this guide, you’ll be well prepared to take full advantage of these features and improve your chatting experience in the native Messages app in iOS 17.