Apple has unveiled iOS 26, and it brings major upgrades to the Messages app on iPhone.
One of the biggest changes is the new ‘Liquid Glass’ design, giving the app a fresh look with modern buttons and updated UI elements, fitting iOS 26’s overall style.
Group chats are a major focus this year. New features include:
• Typing Indicators: See live typing updates from everyone in group chats.
• Polls: Create polls in chat to easily get feedback from the group.
• Apple Cash: Send and receive money directly in group conversations.
Users can now also set custom backgrounds for chats, including AI-generated backgrounds using Apple’s Image Playground.
Another key feature is Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, helping users chat with friends or family in different languages in real time.
To reduce spam, Messages now includes screening for unknown senders. These messages will appear in a separate folder and remain silent unless approved by the user.
Apple is also expected to introduce RCS enhancements soon, likely including end-to-end encryption, though this wasn’t officially announced yet.
These features won’t just be on iPhone. They’ll arrive across iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and other Apple platforms later this year.
iOS 26 is coming later in 2025.
