iOS 18.4’s Secret Weapon: A Shortcut for Your Favorite Chats

Apple’s iOS 18.4 isn’t just about flashy features like Genmoji or emoji tapbacks. Hidden in the update is a low-key gem: a new Messages shortcut that lets you launch straight into your favorite conversations. It’s all powered by the Shortcuts app and can instantly open any thread with a single tap—perfect for hopping into your most-used chats without digging through Messages.

Setting it up is as easy as brewing morning coffee: open Shortcuts, create a new one with the “Open Conversation” action, and choose your go-to thread. From there, it gets even slicker. Place your shortcut in Control Center, the Lock Screen, or even as a widget or app icon on your Home Screen—customized with that person’s photo if you want.

Basically, your iPhone just got smarter at texting your bestie (or your situationship). It’s one of those features that’s quietly brilliant: zero fanfare, maximum utility. Whether you’re all about efficiency or just love having your people one tap away, iOS 18.4 finally delivers the Messages upgrade we didn’t know we needed.
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