Apple iMessage Apps not working

I have had a recurring issue on my iMessage, where the app features (above the keyboard) do not function when I tap on them. They usually then have the grey outline acknowledging that I have selected the app, however nothin else happens. This happens with things like Memojis or #images but curiously doesn't happen with Photos, App Store, or Digital Touch. Resetting the phone and all the common fixes do not seem to work.

Recently I bought a new phone and was able to update to the latest iOS. Now that the audio messages are part of the iMessage apps, I am completely unable to send audio messages on the platform. I have looked for possible solutions online but I haven't been able to find any. Similar threads have no solutions either. Does anybody have a fix? at all?