In iOS 18.4, Apple introduced a new Shortcuts action that allows users to open a specific conversation in the Messages app directly. This feature enables you to access important chat threads from your Lock Screen, making it convenient for quick communication. For those who often reach out to a specific contact, utilizing this new shortcut can significantly reduce the time it takes to initiate a conversation.
By placing a shortcut to a spouse or family member’s chat thread on your Lock Screen, you can engage with them swiftly without navigating through the app. This is particularly useful for urgent updates or daily check-ins. Moreover, the shortcut minimizes distractions, allowing you to bypass the full Messages interface and avoid the temptation to scroll through other messages or notifications, making it ideal for emergencies or business communications.
Creating your shortcut is simple. Start by opening the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. Tap the plus (+) button in the top-right corner, type “Open Conversation” in the Search Actions field, and select it from the results.
Next, tap “Conversation” to choose the specific Messages conversation you want to open. Finally, tap done to save your shortcut. Once your shortcut is set up, you can add it to your Lock Screen.
Long press the Lock Screen, select “Customize,” then choose the Lock Screen you want to modify. Remove any existing controls by tapping the minus sign and replace it with the plus sign. Choose “Shortcut” from the Controls menu and select your “Open Conversation” shortcut before tapping “Done” to finalize.
This feature opens up various possibilities. You can use it to create shortcuts not just on your Lock Screen, but also on your Home Screen or even in your Control Center. Experiment with it to find what works best for your communication habits.
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