Last month, iOS 18.4 was released, introducing numerous enhancements including a feature that many might have overlooked: a quick method for accessing your favorite conversations in the Messages app. Here’s how it functions.
Messages Introduces Shortcuts for Quick Access to Conversations
Recently, Apple’s Messages app has undergone several significant upgrades, including Genmoji, Image Playground, emoji tapbacks, scheduled messaging, and more.
This latest iOS 18.4 update brings an additional Messages feature, available through the Shortcuts app.
The Shortcuts app has introduced a useful ‘Open Conversation’ action that allows you to directly access a specific thread in Messages.
This addition offers quick access to your favorite chats, making it more convenient than ever.
Moreover, this feature integrates nicely with various iOS customization options, such as those found in Control Center and Home Screen, allowing seamless access to your Messages conversations throughout your iPhone.
Configuring the Messages Shortcut in iOS 18.4 for Easy Access
Setting up the new Messages shortcut in iOS 18.4 is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:
- Launch the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
- Tap the ‘+’ icon to create a new shortcut.
- Search for and select the ‘Open Conversation’ action.
- Tap on the ‘Conversation’ field to choose a specific Messages thread.
If you prefer quick access to multiple conversations, simply repeat the above steps to create individual shortcuts for each.
While having a button in the Shortcuts app is useful, it doesn’t necessarily provide more convenience than opening the Messages app and searching for the thread manually.
This is where the features of Control Center, Home Screen, and Lock Screen come into play.
Once you’ve set up your Messages shortcuts, you have the option to add them to various locations on your iPhone.
Your shortcuts can be integrated into:
Moreover, as illustrated, you can transform each shortcut into a unique Home Screen app icon, possibly featuring the conversation’s photograph.
In summary, Apple offers extensive customization options for the placement of your Messages shortcuts. With iOS 18.4, accessing your essential Messages conversations in various ways has never been easier.
How do you plan to utilize the new shortcut feature in Messages on iOS 18.4? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
