If you’re anything like me, Messages is the app you open the most. It’s the lifeline for everything, work chats, family threads, and the occasional late-night group text trying to figure out where to meet.
With iOS 26, Apple is bringing a slew of new features to the Messages app. Unveiled at WWDC 2025, this is easily one of the most thoughtful, user-driven updates Apple has made to its core apps in years.
The attention to detail here feels different. It’s as if the product team actually sat in on one too many chaotic group chats and said, “Let’s fix that.”
Let’s take a look at the 10 new Messages features that stood out most.
Custom Conversation Backgrounds
iOS 26 lets you personalize each message thread with a custom background. You can pick from Apple’s preset designs or choose one of your own photos.
If you have an iPhone with Apple Intelligence, you can create something new with Image Playground based on the conversation.
It gives conversations a shared identity. You can also toggle them off if you’re more minimalist.
The “Add Contact” Shortcut
I didn’t expect to care about this until it saved me time. If someone texts in a group and you don’t have their info saved, you’ll now see an “Add Contact” button right next to their name. One tap. Done.
You don’t have to scroll back, copy numbers, or switch apps. It’s the kind of small quality-of-life fix that adds up fast.
Also: This clever new iOS 26 feature fixes a travel problem you didn’t know your iPhone could solve
Typing Indicators for Everyone
This one’s small but makes a big difference, especially in fast-moving group chats. You can now see who is typing in a group thread instead of just seeing that “someone is typing…” line.
It makes conversations feel more alive and immediate, like you’re actually in a room together. This feature was long overdue.
Smarter Spam and Unknown Sender Filters
Apple is stepping up its fight against message clutter. Messages in iOS 26 can now move unknown senders into a dedicated folder and hide their notifications until you approve them.
If something looks like spam, it gets flagged and filed automatically. I tested this by texting myself from a burner number, which went straight to the spam folder. Beautiful.
Also: iOS 26 unlocks a hidden power feature that could save up to 50% of your iPhone’s battery life
Select Specific Text from a Message
One of those “why wasn’t this always there?” features. Tap and hold on any message bubble, and you can now highlight and select just part of the text.
This is great for copying links, editing out typos, or quoting just the important part of someone’s long-winded rant (we all know someone).
Natural Language Search That Actually Works
Search in Messages has always been… let’s call it hit-or-miss. That changes with iOS 26. You can now search like you think: “photos of Marcus at the concert” or “Erica’s birthday dinner.” And it finds them fast.
It’s one of those features you’ll forget about until you really need it, and then you’ll never want to go back.
Apple Cash in Group Threads
Splitting the bill just got easier. You can now send Apple Cash in group chats, which means you won’t have to bounce between apps to pay people back.
After trying this at a team lunch last week, I can say it’s frictionless. Just tap and send. Everyone gets notified, and it feels as effortless as sending a sticker.
Polls in Group Chats
We’ve all been there: a dozen people in a thread, five different dinner options, and no one making a decision.
Now, you can just throw up a poll and let the group vote—done. It’s simple, clean, and integrated so well that it feels like it’s always been there.
Apple Intelligence even steps in to suggest a poll if the conversation is heading in that direction. Smart and subtle.
Also: Apple just brought back a feature you forgot existed at WWDC 2025—and gave it a whole new purpose
Photo Previews for Low Data Mode
If you’ve ever had to send a photo while on limited data or spotty LTE, this is for you.
Messages now sends a low-quality preview first, then uploads the full version later when bandwidth is better. It’s seamless and keeps conversations moving, especially when you’re on the go.
Wrap Up
iOS 26 is available now in developer beta, with a public beta coming next month. The final version will roll out later this fall for iPhone 11 and newer.
What do you think—are polls the real game-changer, or is it the custom backgrounds? Drop a comment and let me know which Messages feature you’re most excited to try in iOS 26.
