When iOS 17 launched in September, one change had users scratching their heads: an additional Messages button to access functions like sending photos, which was incredibly frustrating to get used to. In iOS 16, you can just tap the Photos icon at the bottom of the screen and choose a photo to send to a friend, but in iOS 17, you have to tap the + and then the Photos icon, making the process a bit more complicated.
But what if I told you that you can send photos via iMessage or SMS in the Messages app with just one tap? And that was under our noses the whole time. Here’s how to get around iOS 17’s most annoying design change.
How to send photos via messages on iOS 17 with just one tap
After using iOS 17’s new method for almost a year, I’m used to navigating through the Messages app menu. Yet it seems there was a way around it all along. Simply hold the + icon for quick access to the latest photos instead of pressing +, then Photos, then selecting a photo to send. It’s that simple and just by changing the way you interact with the + icon, you’ll save yourself tons of time.
I wish I had known about this iPhone trick sooner
I share iPhone tips daily on iMore and while I know most of them before, this one is completely new to me. Since I’ve been using iOS 17 since WWDC 2023, I’ve been so frustrated with the extra issues when sending photos to friends and family via Messages. This iPhone hack completely alleviates that and allows me to use my iPhone again the same way I’ve known for years.
This tip works on all the best iPhones running iOS 17, so if you still haven’t grown to love the Messages app menu, now you can skip it altogether. Let’s hope Apple keeps this secret feature in iOS 18 when it launches later this year.