Did you update to iOS 12 on your iPad and/or iPhone yet?

If you did, hopefully you had a chance to experience the new features and updates.

In this edition, I’d like to get you up-to-speed on one of the changes in the Messages app. Particularly, how to access your Photo Library when sending a message.

In the past, you could send a photo or video that you’ve already taken right from the Messages app on your iPad or iPhone.

You would just tap on the camera icon next to the new message box, then choose either to take a new photo or video, or select one from your library.

But that process has changed if you’re running iOS 12, and I am going to show you the new process.

Are you ready? Good, let’s go…

What happens if I tap the camera icon in the Messages app?

When you tap on the camera icon in the Messages app in iOS 12, it launches right into the camera so you can take a new picture or video. This allows you to take advantage of Apple’s new camera effects, which includes new filters, text effects, shapes, and sticker packs, among other things. However, one thing it does not include is a way to access your photo library.

How to access your photo library (new way)

in order to access your photo library without having to do so directly from the Photos app, you have to look to the App Drawer in Messages. The App Drawer contains all the iMessage apps and stickers you have on your device.

Now in iOS 12, there’s a new “Photos” app in that App Drawer. This is where your photo library lives now.

1. Tap the App Drawer icon next to the text message field or box.
2. Tap the Photos App in the app drawer (shown in the image below.)

Once tapped, you will see the familiar Photo Library screen. You have two options to choose from — Recent Photos and All Photos.  When choosing All Photos, you will see your complete library of photos and videos.

Simply tap on the photo or video you want to share to add it to your message.

If you choose a photo from the Recent Photos screen, it will automatically insert into your message. For some reason, there is an extra step when selecting a photo or video from the All Photos screen. After selecting a photo or video, you’ll need to tap Choose to insert into the message.

If you have any questions on how to access your photo library from within the Messages app in iOS 12, feel free to reach out to me on my Facebook page or Twitter page or by replying to this message.