iOS 26 iMessage URL scheme broken - opens compose instead of main view

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Level 1

4 points

iOS 26 iMessage URL scheme broken - opens compose instead of main view

After updating to iOS 18, the iMessage URL scheme behavior has changed when launching Messages from third-party apps (specifically Dumbify widget app). Instead of opening to the main messages list, it now defaults to the compose/new message modal.

What I've tried:

sms:
sms://
imessage://
messages://
imessage://open

All schemes now open the compose view instead of the main messages list. This worked correctly in iOS 18 and earlier.

Expected behavior: Opening Messages app to the main conversation list

Actual behavior: Opens directly to new message compose screen

Device: iPhone 12

iOS Version: 26.2

Has anyone found a working URL scheme or workaround to open Messages to the main view? Theres no way this an intended change, this has to be a bug.

iPhone 12

Posted on Dec 16, 2025 4:50 PM

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Answer 1

6x6

Level 6

19,329 points

Dec 16, 2025 5:26 PM in response to EliteMicah

I'm seeing the same on my end (iOS 26.2).

I don't use Dumbify but if it is based only on URL schemes, you could create a shortcut in the Shortcuts app to open Messages (using the Open App action) and use the following URL in Dumbify to run the shortcut (assuming the shortcut is named "OpenMessages"):

shortcuts://run-shortcut?name=OpenMessages

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Answer 2

6x6

Level 6

19,329 points

Dec 17, 2025 5:21 AM in response to EliteMicah

Have you taken a look at the built-in Assistive Access as an alternative to Dumbify: Assistive Access User Guide - Apple Support? It is presented as an accessibility feature but it offers a simplified UI like Dumbify’s.

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Answer 3

EliteMicah Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 16, 2025 9:20 PM in response to 6x6

Appreciate the response. Dumbify allows shortcuts but I hate to use them but I guess I’m forced to now anyways. I just ask that Apple change this back to how it used to be!

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