App store badge in Messages?

After much digging, the badge indicates the number of new iMessage apps that can be "turned on" within iMessage. This is accessed by tapping the "..." button all the way on the right, then tapping "Edit." You will see a list of new apps installed on the phone that also have iMessage mini-apps that can be turned on. In this case, I have 13 newly installed iPhone apps that also have mini-iMessage apps available.

I thought of that too, but when I visit both the Messages App Store and the iOS App Store neither have uodates pending. I’m especially confused about the iMessages App Store. There is no “Updates” section as there is in the regular App Store. See screenshots.

iOS App Store:

iMessage App Store:

Yes... I know that. I know how to use iMesage.

But my original question is...

what is the red badge on the iMessage App Store for... and if it’s for updates, how do I updated them? The badge has been on there for months.

There is the App Store for iOS. And the App Store just for Messages. See my screenshots above and here.