New Messages Search Filters in iOS 15

Apple introduced several significant enhancements to the Messages app in iOS 15 to help users quickly locate shared content without endlessly scrolling through conversation histories. These updates introduce categorized search results, integration with the "Shared with You" system, and dedicated media filters that separate photos, links, documents, and contacts.

Categorized Search Results

When you pull down to access the search bar at the top of the Messages app in iOS 15, the interface presents organized categories before you even enter a query. Results are automatically sorted into distinct buckets:

• Photos: Displays image thumbnails sent across your chats.
• Links: Lists shared URLs, complete with rich web previews and titles.
• Locations: Shows map pins and location data sent in conversations.
• Documents: Organizes shared PDFs, spreadsheets, and other file attachments.

"Shared with You" Integration

A central addition to iOS 15 is the "Shared with You" framework. In Messages, items shared by contacts are tagged and organized directly within the conversation details and system-wide search. Within a specific chat thread, tapping the contact's profile icon reveals dedicated sections for:

• Photos
• Links
• Pinned Items (a new feature allowing you to star important messages or media so they appear at the top of search views)

Targeted Keyword and Contact Matching

When typing into the search bar, iOS 15 filters results dynamically. If you search for a specific contact's name, the app not only surfaces message threads containing that person, but also clusters all media and links shared specifically by or with them into clearly marked filter groups. Additionally, iOS 15 utilizes on-device intelligence to recognize text inside shared images (Live Text), allowing photo search within Messages using keywords found directly inside the photos.