iOS 26: Every Change to the Messages App
iOS 26: A Deep Dive into the Revamped Messages App
iOS 26 brings a significant refresh to the Messages app, incorporating the stylish "Liquid Glass" redesign seen throughout the iOS 26 update. But the visual improvements are just the beginning. Apple has packed this update with highly anticipated features designed to enhance both individual and group conversations, making communication smoother and more expressive than ever before.
Message Backgrounds: Personalize Your Chats
One of the most noticeable additions is the ability to customize the background of your message threads. This long-requested feature, common in many third-party messaging apps, finally arrives in Apple's core messaging platform. To change your background, simply tap the name of the contact or group at the top of the conversation and select "Backgrounds".
You'll find a range of pre-set options, including calming scenes like sky, water, and aurora, as well as a selection of solid colors. Alternatively, you can choose a photo from your Photo Library or even generate a unique image using Image Playground. Remember, the background change applies to all participants in the conversation, but requires iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS Tahoe. Currently, custom backgrounds are only available for iMessage conversations; you won't be able to set one for chats with Android users.
If you'd prefer not to see custom backgrounds set by others, you can easily disable this feature. Simply navigate to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggle off "Conversation Backgrounds". Regardless of your background choice, message bubbles will remain blue; bubble color customization isn't yet supported.
Polls: Make Decisions Easy
Need to quickly gather opinions from a group? iOS 26 introduces built-in polls within the Messages app. Next to the text entry field, tap the "+" button and select the "Poll" option. You can add up to twelve choices, making it perfect for even complex decisions.
Once sent, participants can vote directly within the chat. And if someone feels a crucial option is missing, they can even add it themselves, ensuring everyone's voice is heard. For devices with Apple Intelligence, the Messages app will intelligently suggest creating a poll when the conversation topic lends itself to this format (e.g., discussing dinner options).
Live Translation: Break Down Language Barriers
iOS 26 brings real-time translation to Messages on devices equipped with Apple Intelligence. Engage in seamless conversations with people who speak different languages. The app will instantly translate their messages into your language and vice-versa, making international communication effortlessly fluid.
Currently supported languages include Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified), French, German, Italian, English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain). To activate automatic translation, tap the contact's name, scroll down, and toggle on "Automatically Translate". You'll need to choose a source language and download the corresponding language pack (approximately 900MB).
On your device, you'll see both the original and translated messages. The recipient, however, will only see the message in their native language. The same applies in reverse for their replies. While this feature works best when both parties are using iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS Tahoe, it still provides one-way translation even when communicating with older devices or Android phones (though your replies won't be translated back).
Group Chat Enhancements: Streamlined Collaboration
Group chats receive several significant upgrades. You'll now see typing indicators for each participant actively composing a message. Apple Cash integration simplifies group transactions, allowing members to send and receive money without leaving the conversation.
And if you find an unknown contact in a group chat, there's a convenient option to add them directly to your Contacts with a single tap.
Precise Copy/Paste: Select Only What You Need
iOS 26 introduces more precise text selection within messages. Instead of copying entire messages, you can now long-press and select only the necessary portion, whether it's an address, tracking number, or any other snippet of text. Once selected, simply tap "Copy" to add it to your clipboard.
Message Filtering: Control Your Notifications
iOS 26 intelligently separates spam and messages from unknown senders into distinct categories, offering granular control over your notifications. You can filter these messages to prevent them from cluttering your inbox and disrupting your workflow.
Access the filter section by tapping the icon in the top right corner of the Messages app. Here, you can view messages categorized as Unknown Senders, Transactions, Promotions, Spam, and Recently Deleted. Choose to receive notifications only from desired categories or silence notifications entirely from unwanted senders. You can even create exceptions for time-sensitive messages, ensuring you don't miss critical updates.
Natural Language Search: Find What You Need, Effortlessly
Searching for a specific message or contact is now intuitive and conversational. The Messages app supports natural language search, allowing you to use everyday language to find the information you need without using precise keywords.
Low Data Photo Sharing: Conserve Data, Maintain Connection
A new "Send Low Quality Photo Previews" setting in the Messages section of Settings allows you to conserve data. When enabled, and your iPhone is in Low Data Mode, Messages sends lower-resolution previews. The full-resolution images are sent later once a Wi-Fi connection becomes available.
Genmoji: Unleash Your Creativity
The Genmoji feature receives an upgrade, allowing you to combine multiple existing emoji to create unique and personalized emoji combinations.
Within a conversation, tap the Genmoji icon to access the creation tool. Add your chosen emoji, experiment with combinations, and even personalize them with text descriptions. You can edit received combo emojis by long-pressing and selecting "New Emoji".
CarPlay Integration: Stay Connected While Driving
Driving is now safer and more convenient with the integration of quick Tapback responses in CarPlay. You can also pin your favorite conversations to the Messages app for quick access, ensuring you stay connected without compromising safety.
EU-Specific Changes: RCS Support for Third-Party Apps
Within the European Union, a new API allows third-party messaging apps to send and receive RCS/MMS/SMS messages by default, providing users with alternative messaging choices.
Future Enhancements: End-to-End RCS Encryption
Apple plans to introduce end-to-end encryption for RCS conversations between iPhone and Android users in a future software update. This will enhance the security and privacy of cross-platform messaging.
Read More
For a comprehensive overview of all the new features in iOS 26, check out our complete iOS 26 roundup.
This article, "iOS 26: Every Change to the Messages App" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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