Rearrange and Delete iMessage Apps on iPhone or iPad improves daily messaging experience. Apple redesigned the Messages app with a cleaner app drawer. Many users feel confused managing the new layout initially.
Here, I will explain everything using very simple English. You will learn iMessage apps basics, usage, and control. Steps cover rearranging, hiding, downloading, and deleting apps.
Rearrange and Delete iMessage Apps on iPhone or iPad: Understanding iMessage Apps
iMessage apps are small tools inside the Messages application. They extend messaging features without leaving conversations. Users send stickers, GIFs, and animated effects. Some apps allow polls inside group chats.
Games can be played directly with friends. Apple Cash helps send and receive payments. Other apps share content very quickly. Many iMessage apps install automatically with main apps. Users usually do not download extensions separately.
Installing Google Maps adds location sharing extension. Social apps add shortcuts for sharing content. This automatic behavior saves setup time initially. However, the drawer is filled with many unused apps. Clutter makes finding tools slower.
Apple changed Messages layout in newer iOS versions. The old horizontal bar above the keyboard was removed. Now a Plus button opens the app drawer. All apps appear in one vertical list. Photos, stickers, and audio appear together. Third party apps appear below system actions.
This design looks cleaner but feels different. In iOS 18, Apple installs some apps automatically. These apps support common messaging actions. In iOS 18.2, Apple Intelligence adds features. Users generate images using text descriptions.
Photos help create unique characters easily. Generated images sent directly through Messages. This improves creativity during conversations. You can also download extra iMessage apps. Apple provides an App Store inside the Messages app. This store shows apps built for iMessage.
Users browse sticker packs, games, and tools. Some apps are free to install. Others require payment before download. Many apps offer in app purchases. Family Sharing helps manage app downloads.
Parents use Ask to Buy for approval. This controls purchases for children’s devices. Understanding app types helps better organization.
Rearranging Apps Easily
Rearrange and Delete iMessage Apps on iPhone or iPad starts inside Messages.Reordering apps happens using Plus menu.Old More section no longer exists now.
Follow these steps to rearrange apps:
- Open Messages application on your device.
- Open any existing conversation thread.
- Tap the Plus button near the text field.
- Scroll to see the complete app list.
- Touch and hold the desired app icon.
- Drag app up or down list.
- Release finger to save position.
The app order updates instantly. No confirmation screen appears afterward. Reordering does not remove any app. It only changes visible order. You can keep important apps near top. Photos apps should stay easily accessible.
Apple Cash stays helpful during chats. Stickers remain popular for fun replies. Games can move lower if unused. Favorites help speed up access. Add frequently used apps to favorites.
Favorites appear at the top of the drawer. Keep only a few favorites for simplicity. You can move apps between pages. Drag app icon to screen edge. Wait until a new page appears.
Drop app on that page location. This helps manage many installed apps. Rearranging apps reduces scrolling effort. It makes messaging faster and smoother. Simple ordering saves daily time.
Hiding, Downloading, and Deleting Apps
Rearrange and Delete iMessage Apps on iPhone or iPad also involve hiding. Sometimes rearranging alone cannot reduce clutter. Hiding removes apps from the drawer view. Hidden apps remain installed on the device.
Follow these steps to hide apps:
- Open Settings application on device.
- Scroll down and tap the Apps option.
- Select Messages from the app list.
- Tap the iMessage Apps setting.
- Find apps listed under extensions.
- Toggle Off apps you rarely use.
Hidden apps disappear from the Messages drawer. They can be enabled again anytime. This works best for third party extensions.
Some apps cannot be hidden. Sticker packs downloaded from the store remain visible. Games and meme apps cannot hide. Deleting becomes the only option available.
Follow these steps to delete apps:
- Go to the Home Screen on the device.
- Find the parent app installing the extension.
- Press and hold the app icon.
- Tap Delete App option shown.
- Confirm deletion by tapping Delete.
Deleting the parent app removes the extension instantly. No additional cleanup steps required. Drawer updates automatically after deletion. If apps are missing or stuck, troubleshoot. Restart device to refresh system.
Check the iOS version is updated. Review iMessage Apps settings again. You can download new iMessage apps easily.
Follow these steps to download apps:
- Open Messages application first.
- Start a new message or open a chat.
- Tap the Plus button near the text field.
- Tap Store icon inside drawer.
- Browse available iMessage apps.
- Tap Get or price button.
- Enter Apple Account password if needed.
- Tap the Close button to return.
Some apps include additional purchases inside. Family Sharing helps control those purchases. Ask to Buy approves downloads safely. Maintaining order needs simple habits.
- Check the app drawer regularly.
- New apps often add extensions automatically.
- Keep only three favorites at the top.
- Hide apps needed occasionally.
- Delete apps never used again.
- Move essentials upward always.
Small habits keep messages clean.
The Bottom Corner
Rearrange and Delete iMessage Apps on iPhone or iPad keeps Messages simple. Apple redesigned layout but control remains easy. Users can rearrange, hide, download, or delete apps.
A clean drawer reduces distractions during chats. Regular organization improves speed and comfort. Follow these steps for a better messaging experience always.
