Here’s where Apple hid your Camera Roll in iOS 12 Messages

Time to retrain your muscle memory.
 By 
Jake Krol
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

iOS users who enjoyed the ability to snap a photo in Messages are in for a big surprise.

There is no longer the ability to snap a shot and just send it to a friend — photos and videos taken in the Camera app are automatically added into your library.

Apple didn't highlight this change on stage at WWDC alongside iOS 12. However, it arrived in Beta 1 and stuck through the final beta, and it seems it's here to stay.

Essentially, tapping the camera icon on the top-left side of the keyboard now opens the viewfinder, and once you take a photo -- or a few quick snaps -- they're all added to your library.

The biggest adjustment is not being able to access your photo library quickly.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

And if you hit the blue arrow after taking a selfie, it will save a copy to your camera roll and send it out as a message. Instead of the camera button, you now click the photos icon that sits alongside the Messages App.

Clicking that will bring up the recent photos panel, where you can easily select and share photos. Selecting more than five photos or videos will have it share those through an iCloud Shared Photo Library.

It's a nice bonus to see a larger amount, and it's definitely a core change to the UI. Tapping "All Photos" will bring up a splash screen of the Photos app. This provides you with a more versatile browsing experience for the full library.

If you do hit the "Camera" button and want to see your photos, tap the stacked-photos icon on the top-left corner.

It looks like it's time to get used to the new world of sending and sharing photos in iOS 12 Messages.

Topics iPad iPhone

Mashable Image
Jake Krol

Jake Krol was a Tech Writer at Mashable and had been at the company May–December 2018. He holds a degree in Media & Communication from Muhlenberg College. Jake has a big love for all things tech, and is a huge Springsteen fan and also a native New Jerseyan.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
iOS 26.4 beta arrives: Here are 3 of its biggest new features
iOS 26.4's new Apple Podcast features shown on two iPhones and an iPad.

Apple releases iOS 26.3: New wallpapers, Transfer to Android
iOS update on iPhone

Meta can read your WhatsApp messages, lawsuit alleges
whatsapp logo

Apple releases iOS 26.5 beta without any sign of AI Siri
a row of iphones showing liquid glass features and sticker that reads 'available now'

Is there an iOS 26 backlash? Not so fast.
An iPhone with the iOS 26 logo

More in Tech
How to watch Chelsea vs. Port Vale online for free
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts

How to watch 'Wuthering Heights' at home: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's controversial romance now streaming
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi embracing in still from "Wuthering Heights"

How to watch New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers online for free
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders warms up

How to watch Mexico vs. Belgium online for free
Israel Reyes of Mexico reacts

How to watch Brazil vs. Croatia online for free
Vinicius Junior #10 of Brazil leaves

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!