In iOS 17, Apple not only added several new Messages features, but it also tweaked the design of the Messages app to give it a cleaner look.
Now, all iMessage apps and tools like the camera and photo options can be accessed by tapping a "+" button above the keyboard and to the left of the text input field.
Tapping the "+" button brings up a menu column, which has a default order of options. From the top, there's Camera, Photos, Stickers, Cash (where available), Audio, and Location. At the very bottom is a More button which when tapped reveals any other installed Messages apps (you can also swipe up to reveal this hidden list).
How to Reorganize Your iMessage Apps
You can reorganize the apps in the list and bring your most-used apps nearer to the top, and even bring up more apps to the first menu screen, in the following way.
To move an app within the same screen, press and hold on its icon, then drag it to your preferred location and let go. To move an app up to the first page of icons, simply do the same, but drag it up to the top of the screen and place it where you want.
How to Delete iMessage Apps
If you have no need for certain third-party Messages apps in the list, you can delete them by following these steps. Note that when you delete an iMessage app, it will also delete the associated app from the Home Screen.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Messages.
- Tap iMessage Apps.
- Tap the red minus button next to an app, then tap the Delete button that appears.
Apple has added several new features to its Messages app in iOS 17 to make communicating with other Apple users more creative and fun. One of these new features is the ability to turn Live Photos into Live Stickers. Click the link to learn how it works.