With iOS 26, Apple has added a feature to the Messages app that has long been standard on other platforms: polls in chats. It's finally possible to create polls directly within conversations without having to resort to external tools or workarounds.
Decisions are often made in group chats—from choosing a restaurant to scheduling appointments. Previously, this was cumbersome in Apple's Messages app, as every vote had to be collected manually. With iOS 26, that's a thing of the past. The new poll feature makes communication more structured and ensures that groups can quickly agree on a common solution.
Surveys with up to 12 options
A poll in iOS 26 can contain up to 12 answer options. These are determined by the person creating the poll. A practical feature is that polls remain open: If a suitable option is missing, participants can add it themselves. This also covers situations where new ideas only arise during the poll.
Step by step to your own survey
Creating a poll in iOS 26 is easy. It only takes a few steps:
- Tap the “+” button next to the input field.
- Select “Surveys” from the list that appears.
- Enter the possible answers – up to 12 are allowed.
- Add an accompanying message.
- Tap “Send” to start the survey.
Participants then simply tap the desired option to cast their vote. Below the poll, an "Add Option" button appears, allowing them to add new options.
View survey details
If you hold down a poll, you'll see the "View Poll Details" option in the dropdown menu. This displays an overview detailing how many votes each answer received. This feature provides transparency and helps you quickly review the results.
Automatic suggestions through Apple Intelligence
In iOS 26, Apple goes one step further. Powered by Apple Intelligence, the Messages app automatically suggests creating a poll in relevant conversations. If, for example, pizza, burgers, or pasta are being discussed in a group chat, iOS 26 can automatically prompt a poll. This saves time and makes using the app even more convenient.
Compatibility and limitations
The new poll feature only works on devices running iOS 26 or iPadOS 26. Users using an older version won't see the poll in the chat. For a smooth experience, it's important that all participants in the conversation have the update installed.
iOS 26 brings polls as a modern tool to the Messages app
iOS 26 makes the Messages app significantly more modern. Polls are a useful tool that makes group chats more efficient and facilitates voting. With up to 12 options, the ability to add new replies, and suggestions from Apple Intelligence, the feature is flexible and well-implemented. With this, Apple is catching up with other messaging apps in an area where other messaging apps have long been ahead – and ensuring that decisions in chats can be made easier and faster. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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Frequently asked questions about iOS 26 and polls in the Messages app
In iOS 26, polls can be created directly in the Messages app. Using the "+" button, you can enter up to 12 response options and send them with a single tap.
A survey supports up to 12 options. Participants can also add their own suggestions if a suitable answer is missing.
Only devices running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26 display polls in chats. Those using an older version won't see the poll in the chat thread.
A long tap on the poll opens the "View Poll Details" menu, which provides an overview of how many votes each option received.
Apple Intelligence automatically suggests a poll when the topic in the chat is relevant, for example when discussing pizza, burgers or pasta.
Participants can add a new answer option at any time using the “Add Option” button, even after the survey has started.
This feature is especially useful for group chats, but it can also be used in individual chats, for example, to quickly query a decision.
