With the introduction of iOS 26, Messages has received some useful updates.
In this post we will go over all the iOS 26 Messages App changes and explain them in detail.
Biggest Changes
The biggest changes and features in this app are:
- Custom chat backgrounds
- Polls
- Live Translation
- Spam/Unknown sender filtering/screening
- Carplay integration enhancements
- Interface and Quality of life options
Custom Chat Backgrounds
One of the more exciting changes is the ability to change the background of individual text threads between other iPhone users.
Whether an individual or group chat, any user can choose what the background color, preset animation, or image for ALL users in that thread. This includes images from your camera roll.
When selecting your own image, it is important to remember the orientation of the image is portrait mode and will even remain that way when holding the phone sideways.
Apple will even offer you suggestions from your camera roll. This function is entirely controlled by Apple, and you cannot change what appears under the suggestions section.
This setting is accessed by clicking on the name/photo of the recipient(s) at the top of the message thread and then selecting the backgrounds tab.
Polls
Another new feature is the ability to create polls. This is especially useful in group chats where multiple people can vote.
This option works in tandem with the actual text box we are typing in.
It will give you the option to name however many choices you want to allow for, and then type the question or prompt in the separated text section that says “add comment or send.”
Once filled out, simply send it like a normal message and everyone in the chat, including the sender, will have the choice to click on one of the options.
This is accessed by pressing on the + symbol to the left of the text box when in a specific thread. Polls will be one of the options in the list.
Live Translation
This is a function available for iPhone users who have Apple AI enabled. This means it’s only accessible on iPhone 15, 16 or 17.
Unfortunately, Apple says that models prior to that do not have sufficient ram to use their AI features.
This feature allows for you to have any supported language automatically translated during a text conversation.
Supported languages include Chinese (Simplified & Traditional), Dutch, English (UK & US), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese.
Spam/Unknown-sender Filtering
The Messages app has also received an upgrade to its screening and sorting abilities.
This means it can more intelligently tell what is spam and what is real. Although no program or app can ever be perfect when it comes to spam filtering improvements are always possible and surely welcome.
To be sure nothing important has been filtered by accident, knowing how to check the spam section is important.
This can be accessed by selecting the filter icon on the top right of the apps splash screen where you see all your different threads listed.
Here we have three different sections and one option for settings
The sections are:
- Messages
- Spam
- Recently Deleted
The option for settings is “manage filtering” where users will be sent to their messages app settings where they can further customize filtering options.
CarPlay Integration Enhancements
CarPlays messaging app now shows pinned conversations, supports emoji reactions, and supports the app more fluidly while you’re driving.
This allows for easier hands-free use through the CarPlay interface.
Miscellaneous Changes
Apple also added a feature in group chats where it is more clear who is typing when showing the in progress bubble.
You can also now copy part of a message only, whereas before you had to copy the entire message.
Apple also changed the look of the entire interface, applying their new Liquid Glass styling to the app.
For more information about iOS 26, check out our blog post, All About the New iOS 26 Features, or check out the official Apple Support Page.
If you have questions about the iOS 26 Messages app changes, or our other services, please call or email. We’re happy to assist you! Feel free to use our contact form to send us a message. Thank you!
