{
  "id": 17825347,
  "title": "One annoying problem with the iPhone Messages app has an easy fix",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/one-annoying-problem-with-the-iphone-messages-app-has-an-easy-fix",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-02T16:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2300351/one-problem-iphone-messages-additional-options-easy-fix/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple's iMessage has come a long way since its inception, with updates adding features like satellite messaging and customizable backgrounds. However, one minor inconvenience that persists is the arrangement of the app dropdown menu. Often, unused applications appear at the top, while frequently used ones are buried at the bottom. This issue can be easily remedied by customizing the menu's layout.\n\nTo customize your iMessage dropdown menu, first ensure you have the latest iOS update installed. Open Messages, tap a conversation or hit the compose button, and then tap the Plus (+) button at the bottom right of your screen. This will display a list of your available iMessage apps. Hold down the app you wish to move until it shrinks, then drag it to your desired position on the dropdown menu and release. You can also add new apps from the App Store. Simply open the App Store within Messages, browse the list of popular applications, or search for a specific app. Tap the Get button to download the app, or the price if it requires purchasing. Be cautious when adding new apps, as some may require in-app purchases that can add up in your monthly phone bill. If you have a Family Sharing plan, you can manage in-app purchasing options through the Ask To Buy feature.\n\nTo delete an app you've added or manage the functionalities of your downloaded apps, navigate to Settings > Apps > Messages > iMessage Apps. From there, you can toggle the application on or off, or delete it entirely by tapping and holding the icon until a dropdown menu appears, then selecting the red Remove App option. Apple also allows customization of some iMessage app functionalities, such as adjusting the audio recording app to cycle between voice notes and dictation.",
  "summary": "Apple's iMessage app offers a lot of useful features and several default apps included in its latest update. However, they may be in an order you dislike.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}