Over the years, Apple has added numerous new features to iMessage to make conversations more complex and insightful. One way it has done this is by incorporating iMessage apps into the experience.

While most people use these apps in one-on-one conversations, they are also helpful in group chats you already have going or are about to start. Here are six apps that can enhance your group chat experience.

What Are iMessage Apps?

iMessage apps are functional applications that users can access and use directly within conversations in the Messages app. They operate like ordinary apps on your Home Screen but exist within the Messages app.

First introduced in iOS 10, iMessage apps allow developers to fine-tune their apps for the Messages app and allow users to perform all tasks without leaving the conversation.

Over the years, the method for accessing iMessage apps has changed, but here’s the current method: Open the Messages app, start or select a conversation, tap the plus icon next to the text box, and select the app you want to use.

To add more apps, open the App Store from the same menu and search for them there. Apps may be free or require a purchase. Many apps that you have already downloaded from the App Store will have an iMessage component.

Apps to Help With Organization And Planning

iMessage apps can help you make decisions and stay updated on your friends’ locations. These apps enhance productivity and assist in planning for future occasions.

1
Polls for iMessage

If you have multiple options and want to gather everyone’s input without an endless chain of messages, Polls for iMessage can help streamline the process. This app eliminates the confusion of choices lost in a jumbled mess of replies.

Polls for iMessage is free to download, but before you send a poll, remember that everyone in the group chat must also download the app to cast their votes. When you first open the app, it will prompt you to enter a poll title—typically the question being asked. If you’re unsure what to name it, the app provides example poll titles for easy input.

After adding a title, you can start listing options for people to vote on. We added over ten options without issue, and there is no mention of a limit on how many can be included.

When someone casts a vote, all group chat members will receive a real-time notification, updating everyone on the poll’s progress.

You can also customize your poll beyond just the title and options. The app allows you to decide whether voters’ choices are visible, enables others to add options, allows multiple selections, and even have the app automatically declare a winner once all votes are in.

If you find it frustrating to make group decisions through an endless stream of messages, this app is for you. It organizes everything in one place, making planning more manageable and efficient.

2
Google Maps

While many iPhone users may prefer Apple Maps, Google Maps offers an iMessage app allowing you to share your location with multiple friends in a single group chat. If you and your friends rely on Google Maps, this iMessage app can quickly notify them of your location if you get separated or provide them with your estimated arrival time.

Both parties must download the Google Maps app to view each other’s locations. If not, the app will prompt the recipient to download it before they can see the shared location.

Although the iMessage app doesn’t allow users to search for and send a specific location, it does include a button that quickly shares your current location with the conversation. The app is free to download.

Apps to Bring Fun and Entertainment

iMessage apps aren’t just for productivity and planning—they can also provide entertainment and fun through multiplayer games.

3
GamePigeon

Game night doesn’t always have to be in person—it can happen anytime through the Messages app. With the GamePigeon app, you can play various games with friends, either one-on-one or in a group chat.

While most games in the app are one-on-one, options like Crazy 8—similar to UNO—allow up to four players. In group chats, one-on-one games can still be played, but only with the first person to accept your game request.

To start a multiplayer game, all participants must join at the same time and continue playing simultaneously. If one person leaves, they will be considered to have forfeited the game and be disqualified, while the game may either turn into a one-on-one match or end altogether.

Additionally, games must be played on the same device they started on, meaning you can’t switch between your iPhone and iPad mid-game. You’ll need to start a new game to play on another device.

GamePigeon is a fun way to stay connected with friends and family, even from a distance. Pair it with FaceTime for a full digital game night experience.

4
Bunch Games

Similar to GamePigeon, Bunch allows you to play multiplayer party games with friends through iMessage. However, unlike GamePigeon, Bunch offers a broader selection of games. The app is free to download, and upon launching it, you’ll be greeted by five games: Flappy (similar to the late Flappy Bird game), Draw Party, Hoops, Crazy Cards (similar to UNO), and Guess What.

When you tap on a game, it sends a message inviting others to join. However, they must also have the app downloaded; otherwise, they cannot participate.

Each game can be played with one or more people, unlike Crazy 8 on GamePigeon, which requires at least three players. Each player must create a display name to distinguish themselves from others upon joining.

Until others join, you will remain in a waiting room, where players will appear one by one. If someone takes too long to join, you can start the game without them—it’s ultimately up to you and your gaming morals. Once a game begins, it starts for everyone simultaneously; however, new players cannot join a gaming session after it’s already started. This means they must wait for a new game invitation to be sent separately to play.

Some games, such as Flappy, are quick to complete, but restarting is simple if you want to keep the party going. Unlike other gaming apps that require a new invite to restart a game, Bunch allows you to start another round with the tap of an in-app button.

Apps to Further Express Yourself

While the iMessage app provides various ways to express yourself, you can enhance your options by downloading additional apps. These apps offer extra sticker packs and an expanded collection of GIFs for searching and sending.

Apple already provides an iMessage app called “#images” for animated GIF content, but it limits the number of results shown. To expand your search results, try using the GIPHY app.

5
GIPHY

GIPHY functions similarly to #images but in a different format. While Apple’s app is more polished, GIPHY’s iMessage app reflects its native design, offering a more structured layout that is easy to navigate.

One significant advantage of the GIPHY app over Apple’s is its extensive range of results. Searching on GIPHY offers a broader variety of options, including content that may be more mature than Apple’s curated selections.

Search results on GIPHY also appear to be more up-to-date. For example, searching “Lady Gaga MAYHEM”—a reference to the new album released on only a few weeks ago at the time of writing—yields relevant GIPHY results. In contrast, the #images app only displays three unrelated results.

GIPHY also provides animated stickers and short audio videos, which can be helpful when sending an animated sticker instead of a GIF.

Stickers are organized into distinct sections, each featuring a different theme. These sections include trending, emoji, text, accessories, effects, and bling. Each section operates similarly but showcases a unique collection of animated stickers.

GIPHY offers short clips based on your search queries for audio videos. For instance, searching for “SpongeBob” yields clips from the show that play with audio when tapped.

Overall, GIPHY is a user-friendly iMessage app that surpasses Apple’s own. If you’re seeking a quicker way to express yourself in a group chat, GIPHY provides an effective visual means of conveying your response.

6
Bitmoji

If you prefer expressing yourself with stickers rather than GIFs, the Bitmoji app might be the perfect fit. It offers a wide range of customizable stickers to enhance conversations with a single tap.

While Apple allows you to express yourself with Memoji and Memoji stickers, the options are limited and only updated periodically through software updates. In contrast, the Bitmoji app offers broader customization options for conversation stickers.

To create your Bitmoji, you’ll need to use the Bitmoji app on your Home Screen. From there, you can digitally customize every aspect of your avatar, including your hair, face, clothing, and even eye color.

Once you’re satisfied with your Bitmoji and save it, you can use it as an iMessage sticker. If you ever want to change your Bitmoji’s appearance, you can do so within the app anytime.

The Bitmoji sticker pack provides many options, allowing you to send anything from a simple “hello” to an affectionate message for a loved one or partner. With nearly endless possibilities, there’s always a sticker that perfectly captures the mood of the conversation.

If you’re having trouble finding a specific sticker, the search bar makes it easy to locate what you need. Additionally, the search function is not heavily censored, allowing for more mature expressions if desired.

Also, when searching for a sticker, the app offers suggestions to narrow down the results. For instance, if you type “love,” it might suggest “love you so much” to help you find what you want.

Since your Bitmoji is always in the sticker, it helps identify the sender and eliminates confusion in group chats. Everyone immediately knows who sent the message without having to ask.

Bitmoji, with its simple design and diverse sticker pack, adds attitude and humor to conversations in a way that Memoji can’t. It’s a fun and dynamic way to express yourself authentically in any chat using a single sticker, allowing you to effectively convey your message and opinion.

iMessage apps are a great way to enhance your conversations, whether in a one-on-one or group chat. With the wide variety of iMessage apps available, you can easily make your messages more engaging and stand out in any conversation.