One of the more noticeable design changes in iOS 17 this year is in the Messages app. Apple has revamped the interface and moved access to iMessage apps and shortcuts to a new pop-up menu. Here’s a closer look at these changes, with a trick to get one-tap access to the Photos picker.

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How to customize the new iMessage apps interface

This change to Messages was controversial in the early betas of iOS 17, and Apple made a few changes to the interface throughout the beta testing process. Still, despite the beta tweaks, people are proving to be perplexed by these interface changes now that iOS 17 has been available to everyone for a few months.

In iOS 17, there’s a new “+” plus button next to the text field. Tapping this reveals a full-screen pop-up menu that gives you access to iMessage apps, as well as access to the Photos app picker to send images. The interface shows a handful of quick access icons by default, with a “More” option with every iMessage app you have installed.

My first tip for adjusting to this new interface in iOS 17 is to reorganize the order in which these apps appear. Here’s how to do this:

1. Tap the “+” icon to reveal the list of Messages app
2. Long-press on an app, and you can drag it up or down in the list of options

This also works for apps in the “More” section of the interface, so you can move apps to and from the hidden “More” list with ease.

The hidden trick for accessing the Photos picker

But one of the most common complaints I’ve seen about the new Messages interface in iOS 17 is that it takes a little extra work to access the Photos app picker. This is the most-used iMessage app for the vast majority of people.

Did you know there’s a hidden trick for accessing the Photos picker with a single tap? Just long-press on the “+” icon, and the Photos interface will automatically appear. No need to access the new full-screen interface whatsoever.

What do you think of the revamped interface for iMessage apps in iOS 17? Have you adjusted to the changes, or do you prefer the old design? Let us know in the comments.

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