How to Drag and Drop Photos on iOS 15

iOS 15 introduced system-wide cross-app drag and drop to the iPhone, allowing users to seamlessly move content between applications using multi-touch gestures. This functionality significantly streamlines the process of transferring images between the Messages app and the Photos app, replacing the multi-step share sheet process with a direct, fluid motion.

Dragging Photos from Messages to Photos

To save an image from a conversation directly into your photo library:

  1. Open the Messages app and navigate to the thread containing the photo.
  2. Tap and hold the image until it slightly lifts from the screen. Without lifting your finger, drag it slightly in any direction to initiate the drag state.
  3. Keep your primary finger held down on the floating image. With a second finger, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to return to the Home Screen or access the App Switcher.
  4. Launch the Photos app with your second finger and navigate to the Library tab or a specific album where you want to store the image.
  5. Release your primary finger. A green plus badge indicates a valid drop zone, and the photo will immediately save to your library.

Dragging Photos from Photos to Messages

To send one or more images through a text message directly from your gallery:

  1. Open the Photos app and locate the photo you wish to send.
  2. Press, hold, and drag the image slightly so it detaches and hovers beneath your finger.
  3. Optional (Batch Selection): While holding the first image, tap additional photos with another finger to group them into a single stacked collection. A counter will appear showing the total number of selected photos.
  4. While continuing to hold the selected photo stack with one finger, use another finger to swipe up to go Home or enter the App Switcher, then open Messages.
  5. Navigate to the specific conversation thread.
  6. Hover the dragged photo over the text compose field until a green circle with a white plus sign appears.
  7. Release your finger to drop the image into the message field, then tap the send button.