With iOS 10, Apple has finally opened its instant messaging service, iMessage to third-party developers. From now on, you can do a lot of things like ordering food, play small games and much more.
However, if you are not a tech savvy, you may be overwhelmed by the new features and apps inside your messaging thread. To help you make the most out of iOS 10’s iMessage, we will show you how to install iMessage apps and how to use them. Here we go:
- How to install iMessage apps from App Store
In iMessage, there are two kinds of apps you can get. If you want to download an app that works only in iMessage, you will see the text “Only for iMessage” located below the app icon.
If you want to get an app that works across iOS but also has an iMessage component, you will see “Offers iMessage App”. To download the app, all you have to do is to tap the “Get” icon.
Once it is done, it will appear in the app drawer in the Messages app.
- How to install iMessage apps from the iMessage App Store
In iOS 10, Apple introduced the App Store for its own iMessage, making it much easier for users to access and download third-party apps. To download the iMessage apps from the iMessage App Store, you can follow the steps below
Step one: First and foremost, go to the conversation in iMessage.
Step two: Once you are in, tap the “Apps” button next to the input field to bring up the Apps screen.
Step three: Tap on the Grid icon in the bottom left corner of the Apps screen. After that, tap on the “Stores” icon (it looks like a Plus) to open the iMessage App Store.
Step four: You now enter the App Store and all you have to do is to browse around and choose your app. Once you are done, tap on “Get” to download the app.
Step five: Once your app is downloaded, you will find it at the end of the app list.
- How to use iMessage apps inside the messaging thread
Step one: Go to the conversation and tap the “Apps” icon next to the text box. You will see the first app which may be a sticker app or a productivity app.
Step two: To switch between apps, all you have to do is to swipe left or right and keep doing that until you get your favorite app.
Step three: If you want to see all the installed apps, simply tap on the “Grid” icon in the bottom left. Besides, you can easily edit and rearrange your installed apps by performing a long press on the app shortcut and tap the “x” in the upper left-hand corner to delete the app.
Step four: For some apps, you can use them in full screen mode. To do this, you simply tap the “Up” arrow button in the bottom right.
That’s it! iOS 10 is making it much easier for users to communicate with their friends using iMessage apps. Whether it is stickers, emojis or apps, iOS 10’s iMessage is really something you don’t want to miss at all.
What are your favorite iMessage apps? Share with us in the comments section below
