iOS 26 is the next major iPhone update, packing big updates for Apple Wallet, CarPlay, Apple Music, and a variety of new features for the Messages app too. Here’s what’s coming to your iPhone later this year.
iOS 26 upgrades Messages with new design, group chat features, and more
Apple’s Messages app is getting a handful of solid upgrades in iOS 26.
Messages gains the new ‘Liquid Glass’ redesign that impacts the app, of course. Buttons have been updated, UI elements have a fresh look, and overall the app reflects iOS 26’s aesthetic well—familiar, yet new.
Group chats are another big area of focus for Apple this year.
In iOS 26, there are several changes specifically meant to improve the group chat experience, including:
Typing indicators : Now you’ll be able to see live indicators of who’s typing, not just in one-on-one threads but also group chats.
: Now you’ll be able to see live indicators of who’s typing, not just in one-on-one threads but also group chats. Polls : Use polls to get input from a group with ease.
: Use polls to get input from a group with ease. Apple Cash: Now you can use Apple Cash in groups to send and receive payments.
Background images can be set for different conversations, and you can even generate AI-created backgrounds with a simple Image Playground request.
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