Pretty much on the expected lines, the Apple Messages app has received special attention in iOS 26. The stock messaging app has received a number of noteworthy features designed to enhance your communication. If you are willing to unravel those new add-ons to spice up your messaging game, this article is for you. On this very note, follow along to explore the 10 new iMessage features in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.
1. Polls in Group Chats
iOS 26 allows users to create polls within group messages, making it easier to gather opinions or coordinate plans. Whether you’re choosing a restaurant or planning a trip, polls help streamline group decisions. With Apple Intelligence, the system can even suggest creating a poll when it detects a relevant discussion.
- Head over to a group > hit the “+” button, and choose Polls in the menu. Then, create a poll with the relevant question and share it.
2. Custom Conversation Backgrounds
You can now personalize conversations with custom backgrounds. Apple provides a variety of pre-set options, but you can also use your own photos. Once applied, the background appears for everyone in the chat. If preferred, users can turn off this feature in the Messages settings.
- Tap your profile > choose the Backgrounds tab > select the desired background and save it.
3. Apple Cash in Group Messages
Sending and receiving Apple Cash isn’t limited to one-on-one conversations anymore. With iOS 26, you can exchange money within group chats, simplifying tasks like splitting bills or collecting contributions for gifts.
4. Typing Indicators in Group Chats
Previously only available in individual chats, typing indicators now work in group conversations too. You’ll be able to see who is actively typing, adding a touch of real-time engagement to group discussions.
5. Quick Add Contact Button
Group messages now include an “Add Contact” button, allowing you to quickly save unknown numbers to your Contacts app. This feature is especially handy in larger chats with multiple unfamiliar participants.
6. Partial Text Selection
Holding down on a message bubble now brings up a “Select” option, which lets you highlight and copy a specific portion of text. This offers more precision compared to copying the entire message as before.
7. Spam and Unknown Sender Management
Messages from people who aren’t in your contact list are now separated more intelligently. The new system places messages into either the Unknown Senders or Spam folders. Notifications for these messages are silenced until you review or approve them, giving you more control over what reaches your inbox.
- Tap the menu button at the top right > Choose Unknown Senders > and then manage the senders properly.
8. Natural Language Search
Finding old conversations or images is now easier with natural language search. You can type phrases like “Ravi with sunglasses at the beach” to pull up specific photos or messages, thanks to Apple Intelligence enhancements.
9. Photo Previews in Low Data Mode
When Low Data Mode is turned on, the Messages app sends a low-resolution preview of an image first. The full-quality photo is delivered later when a better connection is available, helping users save on mobile data usage.
10. End-to-End Encryption for RCS
Apple plans to introduce end-to-end encryption for RCS (Rich Communication Services), a protocol used for messaging between different platforms. This feature will ensure your RCS chats remain private and secure, just like iMessages. Full implementation may arrive in iOS 26.1.
Wrapping up..!
And that wraps up this article! With iOS 26, Apple continues to refine and improve the messaging experience on iPhone. From enhanced privacy and smarter search to customization and seamless group coordination, these features make Messages more powerful than ever. Whether you’re a casual texter or a frequent group chat participant, there’s something new for everyone to appreciate in this update.
