● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
iOS Tip: Quickly Add Photos to iMessage by Holding the Plus Button
Key points
- Hold '+' button in iMessage to directly access recent photos.
- Tapping '+' once opens a menu with multiple options.
- Another method involves sharing directly from the Photos app.
- This tip addresses an extra tap added in recent iOS updates.
Streamlining Photo Sharing in iMessage
Recent iOS updates have added an additional step when users attempt to attach photos or videos to iMessages. Previously, a single tap would lead directly to media selection, but now a menu with various options appears first.
The '+' Button Shortcut
To bypass the new menu, users can press and hold the '+' button located in the bottom-left corner of the iMessage interface. This action immediately opens a view of the user's most recent photos and videos. From this view, users can swipe up to access their full photo library and search features.
Alternative Sharing Method
Another way to share photos quickly is by initiating the process directly from the Photos app. Users can select multiple photos or videos within the Photos app, tap the share icon, and then choose Messages to send them to a contact.
Impact on User Experience
This tip addresses a minor change in user interface flow that some users found less intuitive. By providing a direct shortcut, the process of adding media to iMessages is made more efficient, saving time for frequent users.
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Primary sources
GitHub uuidjs/uuidReporting from
Recent iOS updates introduced an extra step to add photos to iMessages, but users can bypass the menu by holding down the '+' button. This action directly opens the most recent photos and videos, streamlining the process for sharing media within messages.