What’s Coming in iOS 26?

The highly anticipated iOS 26 is set to revolutionize your iPhone's Messages app with a stunning array of 10 fresh features that will elevate the way you communicate!

1. Polls Made Easy!

Ever struggled to decide on a restaurant in a group chat? Now, you can create polls that allow friends to vote on various topics and suggestions. Apple’s smart technology even identifies when a poll would be beneficial, making decision-making a breeze!

2. Customize Your Conversations!

Add a personal touch to your chats with custom backgrounds! Choose from an array of stunning Apple images or set your own photos as the backdrop, making conversations more engaging. Not a fan of the backgrounds? Simply switch them off in Settings.

3. Share Apple Cash Effortlessly!

Get ready to send and receive Apple Cash right within group chats! Split bills or share expenses without any hassle.

4. Know Who’s Typing!

Now you can see who’s actively typing in group discussions, enhancing the interaction and excitement!

5. Streamlined Contact Additions!

With the new ‘Add Contact’ button, adding people from group chats to your Contacts has never been simpler!

6. Select Text Effortlessly!

Tired of copying entire messages? Tap and hold a message bubble to use the new ‘Select’ option for picking specific text.

7. Protect Your Privacy!

iOS 26 introduces an innovative Unknown Sender screening feature! This automatically moves messages from unknown contacts to the Unknown Senders folder, keeping your notifications uncluttered and hiding potential spam.

8. Natural Language Search!

Searching for that perfect photo? Just describe it with phrases like 'Eric skateboard in a tie-dye shirt,' and let the app find it for you!

9. Optimize Your Data Usage!

Activate the ‘Send Photo Previews’ setting to ensure lower-quality images are sent while in Low Data Mode. Your high-quality photos will follow when you’re back online.

10. RCS with End-to-End Encryption!

Apple is gearing up to introduce support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages! This major enhancement means that no third party, including Apple, can access your messages, just like with iMessage.

Get Ready for the Update!

Excited to try out these features? iOS 26 is currently available in developer beta, with a public beta expected soon. The official release is on track for later this year for iPhone 11 and newer models.