{"id":61567,"date":"2026-01-18T17:35:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T16:35:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=61567"},"modified":"2026-01-18T17:37:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T16:37:34","slug":"ios-26-improves-group-chats-with-five-new-features","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/tipps-tricks\/ios-26-verbessert-gruppenchats-mit-fuenf-neuen-funktionen","title":{"rendered":"iOS 26 improves group chats with five new features"},"content":{"rendered":"

iOS 26 brings a number of noticeable improvements to the Messages app. Group chats, in particular, benefit greatly, as five new features make communication easier and more structured. These improvements affect both everyday conversations and the organization of larger groups.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Group chats have become an integral part of digital communication. Things can quickly get chaotic, especially when many people are involved. Apple recognized these weaknesses and specifically redesigned the Messages app in iOS 26. The new features may seem unspectacular, but they are helpful in everyday use, providing greater clarity and speed. Each of the five new features serves a clear purpose and adds a function that has long been missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip ads for group chats<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Typing indicators have been a core feature of iMessage for years. Until now, they only worked in one-on-one conversations. In iOS 26, they finally appear in group chats as well. This makes it clear who is currently typing a message. This improves clarity, especially in lively chats where several people are writing simultaneously. The feature may seem small, but it immediately provides greater clarity in the flow of the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polls in the news app<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With iOS 26, polls can be created directly in group chats. The option is located behind the plus button in the bottom left corner. A poll is useful for checking availability, clarifying decisions within the group, or quickly gathering feedback. If the iPhone supports Apple Intelligence, suggestions for suitable polls will even appear above the keyboard. This makes setting up a vote even faster. The feature is helpful in situations where otherwise endless message chains would result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apple Cash for Groups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Apple Cash was previously limited to one-on-one conversations. With iOS 26, the feature is being enabled for the first time for entire group chats (currently only available in the US). This allows amounts to be sent or requested directly within a group. This is especially useful after restaurant visits, group trips, or similar shared activities. Instead of starting multiple individual conversations, everything can be handled collectively within the existing chat. The feature saves time and prevents misunderstandings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backgrounds for group chats<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

New in iOS 26 is the ability to visually customize a group chat. This is accessed via the group icon at the top of the chat. In the details view, the Backgrounds section appears. There, three options are available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n