Arrow to Collapse Text Box Unavailable

I’m assuming this is now considered a “feature,” but it’s very frustrating that the arrow to collapse the text box in the messages app doesn’t exist anymore in iOS 17. I use that thing frequently because I hate sending multiple texts back to back. Just in case I missed it, is there a setting to bring it back, a workaround, or a chance Apple will put it back in?

the arrow in question is circled in blue