A simple shortcut allows users to access their photo library in iMessage without navigating through the standard pop-up menu.
Key facts
- •Tapping the plus button once in iMessage opens a menu with options like Camera, Stickers, Apple Cash, and Polls.
- •Holding down the plus button skips the menu to show recent photos and videos immediately.
- •Swiping up from the direct photo view provides access to the full library and search functionality.
- •The Photos app allows users to select multiple items and share them via the Messages app directly.
Apple's recent iOS updates introduced a menu that appears when users tap the plus button in iMessage to add photos or videos. Users can bypass this menu by holding down the plus button instead of tapping it once, which provides direct access to their most recent photos and videos.
Using the shortcut
When a user holds down the plus button located in the bottom-left corner of the message field, they are taken directly to their recent media. From this view, users can swipe up to access their full photo library, collections, and the search feature.
Alternative sharing method
Photos can also be shared directly from the Photos app. By tapping 'Select' in the app, choosing the desired images, and tapping the share icon, users can select 'Messages' to send the files to a contact.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by ZDNET AI.
