With iOS 26, Apple is fundamentally redesigning the Messages app. In addition to a new design, the update brings many features that make chats more personalized, clearer, and more useful. The integration of Apple Intelligence also ensures that the app responds more intelligently to context. Individual and group chats benefit equally from the new features.
In recent years, Apple's messaging app has seemed rather reserved compared to WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal. iOS 26 brings it up to par – with features that many users have long awaited. The app remains firmly anchored in the Apple ecosystem, simplifying integration with other devices and services. At the same time, Apple is opening up the platform in some areas, for example, through new EU regulations that allow alternative messaging apps.
New design: Liquid Glass
The entire app has been given a new design called Liquid Glass. It features transparent layers, smooth transitions, and more depth. The look is more modern, but still simple.
News backgrounds
Chats can now be customized with custom backgrounds. You can choose from pre-made designs like sky, water, or aurora, solid colors, photos from your library, or AI-generated images via Image Playground. The background will be displayed throughout the entire conversation—for all participants using iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS Tahoe. If you don't want to see other people's backgrounds, you can disable them in the settings: Settings > Apps > Messages > Conversation Backgrounds.
- The color of the message bubbles remains the same: blue for iMessage, green for RCS or SMS. These bubble colors cannot be changed.
Surveys directly in the chat
With iOS 26, polls can be launched directly within conversations. Up to 12 options are possible. Participants can even add new answer choices. Apple Intelligence also automatically detects when a conversation is suitable for a poll. For example, if someone asks what the group wants to eat, a suggestion for creating a poll appears.
Live translation
One of the most striking new features is Live Translation. It works on devices with Apple Intelligence and translates text almost in real time as you type. Sent messages are displayed simultaneously in the original and target language – but only on your own device. The recipient sees the message only in their language. Replies also appear bilingual for you. Live Translation supports languages including German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese (Simplified Mandarin), Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese. The function is activated in the contact profile. The prerequisite is that the corresponding language has been downloaded as a package (approx. 900 MB). Even if the person you are communicating with is using an older device or an Android smartphone, the translation will work on your end. However, your message will not be automatically translated into their language.
Improvements in group chat
Group chats have received some practical enhancements:
- There are now group tip displays, i.e. indications of who is currently writing
- Apple Cash can be used directly in group chats (US only)
- Unknown participants can be added to the address book with a tap
Copy and paste more precisely
You can now copy specific parts of a message—such as an address or a tracking number. Simply long-press the message and tap "Select."
Message filter
Apple has significantly expanded its message filter. Unknown senders and spam are now categorized separately. There are various view filters:
- Unknown senders
- transactions
- Advertising
- Spam
- Recently deleted
Notifications for messages in these categories can be flexibly customized. Exceptions are available for particularly important messages, such as delivery confirmations, so you don't miss any relevant information.
Natural language search
The News app's search now understands colloquial terms. Simply enter something like "Ben's address" or "vacation 2023" to get relevant results. This makes finding content much easier.
Photo preview in data saving mode
When Data Saver mode is enabled, iOS 26 only sends a reduced-quality image preview. The full image is automatically transferred as soon as a Wi-Fi connection is established.
- The option must first be enabled in the settings: Messages > Send low-quality photo previews.
Genmoji: Combine emojis
The Genmoji feature has been expanded. Now you can combine two or more emojis into a new symbol. You can also add text to the combination and further edit it. Received Genmojis can also be customized. Simply long-press and select "New Emoji."
Messages in CarPlay
There are also new features in CarPlay. Conversations can be pinned for faster access to important contacts. Additionally, there are now quick Tapback replies for incoming messages while driving.
Changes in the EU
In the EU, Apple allows third-party apps direct access to SMS, MMS, and RCS. Developers can set their apps as the default messaging solution. This allows Apple to comply with the Digital Markets Act.
End-to-end RCS encryption is coming
Apple plans to offer end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android in the future. However, this feature is not yet available and will be added in a later update.
iOS 26 takes the Messages app to a new level
iOS 26 makes the Messages app significantly more versatile. With polls, backgrounds, live translation, and improved group functionality, Apple is catching up with other major messaging apps – without straying from its own philosophy. Apple Intelligence ensures that many features are automatically recognized and suggested. The new Messages app unfolds its full potential, especially when paired with other Apple devices. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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iOS 26 explained: The most important questions about the Messages app
With iOS 26, the Messages app gets many new features like polls, customizable backgrounds, live translations, and a new design called Liquid Glass.
In iOS 26, you can customize the background of each conversation. Simply tap the name at the top of the chat and select "Backgrounds."
Yes, but with limitations. iOS 26 can translate received messages, even if the recipient is using an Android device. However, your own reply will not be automatically translated.
iOS 26 supports, among others, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, Korean and Brazilian Portuguese.
In the chat, tap the "+" symbol next to the text input field and select "Poll." You can add up to 12 answer options.
Yes, with Genmoji in iOS 26, you can combine and edit multiple emojis. These can be used and customized directly in chat.
iOS 26 divides spam and messages from unknown senders into different categories, which can be specifically displayed or hidden using the filter function.
Yes, including group tip ads, Apple Cash in group chats (US), and the ability to save new contacts directly from chat.
Not yet. Apple has announced that it will add RCS end-to-end encryption in a future iOS update.
Many features such as live translation or intelligent suggestions require Apple Intelligence and require newer devices with iOS 26, iPadOS 26 or macOS Tahoe.
