iOS 26: All 11 New Features Coming to Messages

Apple is gearing up to release iOS 26 in September, and one of the standout features of this update is the revamped Messages app. Dubbed as the Liquid Glass design, the new look brings a fresh aesthetic to the app while also introducing a host of new features aimed at enhancing both private and group chats.

One of the most exciting additions to the Messages app is the ability to set custom backgrounds for each conversation. Users can choose from a variety of pre-made themes like sky or water, select solid colors, or even use images from their own gallery. Additionally, Apple’s generative AI ‘Image Playground’ app allows users to generate unique backgrounds for their chats. Please note that this feature is only available in iMessage conversations and requires iOS 26, iPad OS 26, or Mac OS Tahoe.

Another new feature in iOS 26 is the ability to create polls directly within chats, with up to twelve response options. Additionally, Messages can now suggest creating a poll based on the content of the conversation, making it easier for users to gather opinions and make decisions.

For those who communicate with individuals speaking different languages, the live translation feature powered by Apple Intelligence comes in handy. This feature translates messages in real-time as you type, facilitating seamless communication between users who speak different languages. The supported languages include English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.

Group chats also receive a couple of useful upgrades in iOS 26. Similar to WhatsApp, indicators now show who is typing in group chats, making it easier to follow conversations. Additionally, users can quickly add unknown participants to their contacts directly from group chats.

The Messages app also introduces smarter copying, allowing users to select and copy individual parts of a message, such as an address field or tracking number, with a simple long-press and select action. Furthermore, new filters categorize messages from unknown senders and suspected spam into different categories like unknown, transactions, advertising, spam, and recently deleted.

The search function in Messages has been improved to understand natural language, allowing users to type searches in everyday language rather than exact phrases. Another notable feature is the image handling option that sends low-quality image previews when the device is using limited data, automatically sending the full version when connected to Wi-Fi.

Genmoji, a feature powered by Apple Intelligence, enables users to create custom emoji symbols by combining two or more emoji. This customizable symbol can also be enhanced with text descriptions, reminiscent of the stacked emojis trend that gained popularity in 2024.

In terms of CarPlay integration, Messages now support Tapbacks and the ability to pin conversations for quick access. Looking ahead, Apple plans to introduce end-to-end encryption for RCS conversations between iPhone and Android users in future updates, aligning with EU regulations and ensuring secure messaging across platforms.

Overall, the updates to the Messages app in iOS 26 bring a range of exciting features that enhance communication and user experience. With improvements to customization, translation, group chats, and more, Apple continues to innovate and elevate the messaging experience for its users.

This article was originally published on Macworld Sweden and has been translated and adapted for a global audience.