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(Pocket-lint) – The Apple Messages application offers several methods of entering messages from handwritten notes into the Digital Touch feature of Apple Watch. Users can also react to individual messages, reply to specific messages, and customize how the recipient sees the messages you send.
One of the most interesting features of Messages, however, is the App Store integration – introduced in iOS 10 several years ago. This feature allows you to download and share information from third-party applications without leaving the Messages application, whether it’s scanning a document or sharing your location.
Here’s how to access, download, and install iMessage apps, as well as the best ones to download.
Pocket-lint
How to download, install and manage iMessage apps
You’ll see a gray App Store icon to the left of the input field when you start a new iMessage or open a thread. After tapping on the gray App Store icon, a bar will appear below with the blue App Store icon. Pressing the blue Apple Store icon will take you to the App Store specially designed for messages.
From there, you’ll find featured apps at the top, as well as sectioned apps like sticker apps, travel apps, games, and productivity apps, among others. There is also a search icon at the top of the App Store page, allowing you to search any app in the App Store for messages.
To download an iMessage app: Find the iMessage app you want and hit “Get” just like you would in the normal App Store. Once downloaded, you will see it appear in the iMessage app drawer / bar below the input field in a new iMessage. You can swipe the bar to see more iMessage apps that you have downloaded.
To manage iMessage apps: Tap the gray app store icon to display the iMessage app drawer below the input field. You will then need to slide your finger to the far right of the drawer until you tap the “Plus” icon with three gray dots in a white circle. Tap the “More” icon and you will be taken to the management screen where you can enable and disable apps, as well as delete iMessage apps by tapping “Edit” in the top right corner.
Pocket-lint
Which iMessage apps should you download first?
There are a number of iMessage apps available, but we’ve selected some of our favorites for you to try out first.
GamesPigeon
GamesPigeon is ideal for playing a range of games with friends directly from the Messages app. You can play 8-ball, mini-golf, basketball, archery, darts and more. Fun for days.
Google maps
Google Maps allows you to send your location to a friend directly from Messages. A small map will appear and the recipient can click on it and get directions to you.
Drop box
The Dropbox iMessages app lets you easily share Dropbox files directly through the Messages app so you can send a folder full of your vacation photos to family and friends, for example.
Open table
The OpenTable iMessages app allows you to suggest restaurants, vote on your favorites, and reserve a table from within the Messages app.
Executioner
Who doesn’t like the hanged man? The Hangman app is over 90,000 words long and you can play directly with a friend in the Messages app.
I translate
The iTranslate iMessage app allows you to describe something in your language and send it with the translation in the recipient’s language appearing below. No more lost in translation.
Airbnb
Planning a trip? The Airbnb iMessage app lets you share homes with friends and vote for a group favorite.
ScanBot
The ScanBot iMessage application allows you to scan a document directly into the Messages application and send it. No need to exit the application, open another application and have to come back to attach.
CityMapper
The CityMapper iMessage app lets you send your location to your friends, appearing as a small map that the recipient can then click for directions. Practical, very practical.
Words with friends
Words with Friends for iMessage lets you invite friends from your contact list and play your amazing winning words right from Messages.
IMDb
The IMDb iMessage app allows you to search the database in Messages and send links to showtimes, as well as movie, TV and celebrity pages.
Mini cents
Do you have a hen or a deer to plan and you have to stick to a certain budget? The Pennies Mini iMessage app lets you share and collaborate on spending budgets with friends and family right from the Messages app.
ESPN
Sports fan? The ESPN iMessage app lets you share scores with your friends and watch match highlights directly from Messages.
The weather channel
Going on vacation or just getting together? The Weather Channel iMessage app lets you share mini forecasts directly from Messages so you can see what’s in store for you.
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Survey
Poll for iMessage is great for group decisions. Can’t decide where to go for dinner or what time to meet? This application will be very useful to you.
Stickers Against Friends
Have you ever played cards against humanity? If you have (and love it), you’ll find Sticker Against Friends a lot of fun. Be careful who you choose to play with.
Super Mario Run Stickers
Everything is fine when Mario is involved. Super Mario Run sticker app allows you to add Mario mustache and hat to anyone. You can also send Mario himself and there are a lot of choices.
Star Wars Stickers
Like Mario, Star Wars makes everything more fun. The Star Wars sticker pack lets you add a Stormtrooper to your morning message. What day wouldn’t be done after that?
Written by Britta O’Boyle. Originally published on .
