iOS 804: iMessage Apps - Navigating the Junk Drawer of iOS Features

Why do iMessage apps feel like a forgotten experiment, and what buried gems are still hiding behind that plus button? Dan Moren joins the show to unpack which built-in features now outshine their third-party predecessors and what that says about Apple's approach to messaging.

• iMessage apps' evolution, developer challenges, and user engagement declines • Default iMessage features vs. true apps • Sticker packs, sharing GIFs, and gameplay in Messages lose relevance • Apple's default iMessage tools—photos, polls, cash, check in, send later • Nuances of audio messages, dictation, and in-app differences • Tips for faster photo sharing and rearranging iMessage features • Real-world uses and practical limitations of iMessage's check-in feature • Notable third-party iMessage app recommendations and personal favorites • New: Apple's 2026 accessibility updates, including voice control, real-time captions, and AI-powered magnifier • Picks of the Week: Indigo cross-network social app and Wipr 2 content filter

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren

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