Apple Unveils iOS 26: A Game Changer for Group Chats!

On September 15, Apple launched the highly anticipated iOS 26, following its sneak peek at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. This exciting update isn't just about aesthetics with its new Liquid Glass design and fresh ringtones; it also brings a revolutionary feature to the Messages app: the ability to create polls!

Say Goodbye to Chaotic Group Chats!

Group chats can often spiral into chaos, with only a few voices dominating the conversation. But fear not! The new polling feature allows everyone to have their say, making decisions about group outings, like where to dine, much smoother. Finally, every voice in the chat can be heard!

How to Make a Poll in Messages: Step-by-Step Guide!

Creating a poll in Messages is a breeze! Follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Messages app and select your group chat. 2. Tap the plus (+) button next to the text input field. 3. Choose 'Polls' from the menu.

Once you do this, a poll box featuring "Choice 1, Choice 2, and Choice 3" will appear. Click on 'Choice 1' to type in your first option, hit 'return' to move to 'Choice 2', and continue until you have all your options filled—up to 12 choices available!

Don’t forget to add a message to provide context for your poll before sending it off!

What You Need to Know About Polling!

If you notice an option missing from the poll that you'd like to see included, it’s easy to add! Just hit 'Add Choice' beneath the poll to include your suggestion, as long as you haven’t hit the 12-choice limit.

Voting is simple: tap your preferred choice, and it will be highlighted. You can select multiple options, but only one vote per choice, giving it a survey-like feel—expect more votes than participants!

As votes roll in, options will visually represent their popularity, growing like a bar graph for quick results.

Curious about who voted for what? Each vote will display your Apple ID image beside the option. Plus, anyone can view 'Poll Details' by long-pressing on the poll to see who voted and who hasn’t, nudging friends to participate or having a laugh at Josh’s obsession with pizza!

Get Ready to Elevate Your Group Decisions!

iOS 26’s new poll feature makes it easier than ever to connect and decide as a group, transforming how you plan outings and engage in group chats. Prepare for more organized dinners and less confusion!