You may not have noticed it, but the Messages app supports iMessage extensions and apps. The option is pretty much hidden in the Messages app for iPhone and iPad.
Behind the plus button is a menu where you can consult the different apps. By default, the most used applications are displayed and with the help of the more button you can consult all other apps. You can manage and delete all your iMessage apps, you can also install new extensions via the Store logo in the overview.
Manage or delete iMessage apps
By default, iOS or iPadOS will show all available extensions in the menu. If you install an application that also has an iMessage app, it will be visible behind the more button. If you want to hide or remove an extension, follow the steps below.
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Navigate to ‘Messages’
- Tap on ‘iMessage apps’
Do you have iOS/iPadOS 16 or earlier? Then you do this via the Messages app itself ▸ open a conversation ▸ Swipe left in the app drawer ▸ Tap the more button (three dots).
An overview will open with a list of all available iMessage applications. At the top of the list you will find the iMessage apps that can only be used in the Messages app. Using the minus button you can permanently remove these apps from your iPhone or iPad.
Below this list you will find an overview of iMessage extensions that are linked to an app. Behind the extension you will find a switch, turn it off to remove (hide) the app from the overview.
Using Favorites in the App Drawer
Since the arrival of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, it is no longer possible to mark certain extensions as favorites. The overview immediately shows the most used apps or shows suggestions that best suit that moment. You can view and use all installed apps via the more button.
Do you have iOS 16 or earlier installed? Then you can use the app drawer. By default, this shows all extensions and apps in alphabetical order. You can’t change this, but you can add favorites. Open the Messages app and navigate to a conversation, swipe left in the app drawer and tap the more button. Tap ‘Edit’ and then tap the plus button next to the extension.
The extension will now be added to your favorites (at the top of the list). You can then give it a permanent place by dragging the three horizontal stripes. Tap done to confirm the changes.
Discover new iMessage apps
Do you want to install new iMessage apps? Then tap the Store logo in the overview of iMessage apps. The App Store will automatically open showing only apps with an iMessage extension.
Downloading and installing works on the same principle as installing a normal app. In some cases you only install an iMessage app, for example with stickers, but sometimes you also install the iPhone or iPad app.