The Messages app on iPhones is a fundamental tool for communication, but are we sure we know all the hidden features it offers? Apple's messaging app offers a series of customization features and options that may go unnoticed. Let's take a look at them.
1. Customization and Expansion of the Messages Menu
When we tap the "+" button in Messages, a list of applications is displayed. This list can be customized, reordered, and expanded.
To reorder it, simply press and hold the application we want to move and drag it to the desired position. To expand it, tap the "More" button (or swipe up) and other installed applications on the iPhone will appear. This "extended" list of applications can be reordered in the same way as before and even moved to the "main" list if we swipe up further.
2. Quick Access to the Photo Library
We can quickly access our photos by pressing and holding the "+" button next to the text field. This brings up the photo library directly, with the option to select the images we want to send with a long press.
3. Using Emojis as Stickers in Messages
In Messages, all standard emojis can also be used as stickers, allowing us to create fun emoji scenes in our conversations. To do this, simply tap the emoji button in the bottom left corner of the keyboard, press and hold the emoji we want to send, and drag it to the message bubble where we want to place it (in any position).
We can overlay multiple emojis/stickers on a message bubble to create more elaborate compositions. Therefore, if we want to delete one of them, it is also possible. Simply press and hold the message bubble where the stickers are, then tap "Sticker Details" and swipe left on the sticker we want to remove.
4. Convert Live Photos into Animated Stickers
Did you know we can turn our Live Photos into animated stickers? To do this, simply tap the "+" button next to the text field, select the Stickers option, then tap the "+" or "New Sticker" button in the sticker menu and select "Live" below the image search bar. By simply choosing the Live Photo in question, the Messages app will turn the moving subject into a looping animated sticker that will play continuously. It's a fun way to share special moments with friends and family.
5. How to Reply to a Specific Message
If we want to reply to a specific message, simply swipe right on the message we want to reply to. This highlights the selected message and allows us to write our response immediately, which is especially useful in group conversations to keep track of who is replying to whom.
6. Where are the Audio Messages and How to Send Them Faster
If we don't usually send voice messages with Messages, the option for it won't appear directly (the speaker icon we see turns out to be for dictating a written message). To find it, we have to look for "Audio" in the "+" button next to the text field.
However, Messages remembers the last type of text we sent, so as soon as we find ourselves having to send consecutive voice messages, an audio waveform icon (red lines) will appear on the right side of the text field for us to quickly press and record our audio message.
7. How to Adjust the Speed of Audio Messages
Although we cannot see it at first sight, we can adjust the playback speed of the audio messages we receive. Simply press and hold the play button of the message (not the message itself, but the "play" button) to reveal a menu of playback speed options. We can select between 1x, 1.25x, 1.5x, or 2x. This hidden feature is really useful when listening to certain voice messages.
From customizing the dropdown menu to converting Live Photos into animated stickers or adjusting the speed of audio messages, these hidden features of the Messages app allow us to communicate faster and more efficiently with our friends and family.
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