How to Quickly Reply in iMessage on iOS 17 by Swiping Right

The latest iOS 17 comes with significant new features like NameDrop, StandBy Mode, and Contact Posters. Alongside these, it also includes various small yet useful features that can greatly enhance the user experience. One such feature is the ability to swipe to reply in the Messages app, eliminating the need to tap and hold a message to send a reply. While popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger have offered this feature for years, it’s now making its way to iMessage, making it a welcomed addition for iOS users. This feature simplifies the process of replying to messages and helps maintain a clutter-free message thread, especially in group chats. Here’s how to use the swipe-to-reply feature in iOS 17.

Using Swipe to Reply in iMessages on iPhone

Note: The Swipe to Reply feature is currently available for iMessage conversations in iOS 17 but not for regular SMS conversations in the Messages app.

• Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
• Head to an iMessage conversation. Simply swipe right on the iMessage you wish to reply to.
• The selected iMessage will come to focus with other messages blurred in the background.
• You’ll see a text box to type your reply along with a “+” icon to access iMessage apps.
• Type your message, add photos, stickers, or other iMessage features, and hit the Send button.
• The sent message will appear as a usual message in the chat.

• You and the recipient will see a faded thread on the left connecting your message to the one you’ve replied to.

• You both will see a Reply button at the bottom of the messages to identify the conversation.
• Tapping the Reply button will show the original message and replies in a single thread.

• In the future, you can send more replies in this thread to keep a specific conversation going, which helps keep group messages clutter-free.

That’s a wrap on this iOS 17 feature. You can now easily swipe right to reply in iMessage conversations on your iPhone. It might take a bit of time for your brain to adjust to this new feature, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll likely find it very convenient. Have you tried this feature yet? Feel free to express your opinions in the comments area down below.