● Covered by 2 sources · 3 reportsLow impact3 neutral
iOS 26 Introduces Customizable Messages Backgrounds with Shared Visibility
Key points
- iOS 26 enables custom Messages chat backgrounds.
- Users can select Apple presets or camera roll photos.
- Background changes are visible to all chat members on iOS 26.
- Feature also available on iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, visionOS 26.
- Android previously offered custom message wallpapers.
- Custom backgrounds are available for iMessage conversations only.
- Users can choose animated wallpapers or AI-generated options.
Customizing Messages Backgrounds in iOS 26
Apple has introduced the ability to change chat backgrounds within the Messages app with the release of iOS 26. This feature allows users to personalize their individual and group chat windows, a customization option previously available on Android devices.
How the Feature Works
Users can select from several dynamic preset options provided by Apple, such as 'Color', 'Sky', 'Water', and 'Aurora', each with multiple variations. Alternatively, users can choose any picture from their camera roll to set as a chat background. The process involves opening a chat, tapping contact information, selecting 'Backgrounds', and then choosing an image.
Shared Visibility of Backgrounds
A key aspect of this feature is that any background change made by a user will be visible to all other participants in that chat, provided they are also running iOS 26. This shared visibility applies to both individual and group conversations, similar to how group chat names are synchronized among members.
Availability Across Apple Platforms
Beyond iPhone, this background customization functionality is also available on other Apple operating systems. These include iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26, ensuring a consistent experience across devices running the latest software versions.
Updates
- Custom backgrounds are available for iMessage conversations only.
- Users can choose animated wallpapers or AI-generated options.
- Android previously offered custom message wallpapers.
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Primary sources
GitHub uuidjs/uuidHow outlets covered it
Apple's Messages app now allows users to customize chat backgrounds with animated wallpapers, personal photos, or AI-generated options, a feature introduced with iOS 26. This update brings Messages closer to customization options offered by other messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. Custom backgrounds are only available for iMessage conversations, not for SMS or RCS.
Apple's iOS 26 update allows iPhone users to customize message backgrounds with preset options or personal photos. This feature, previously available on Android, helps users differentiate chat threads, though the chosen background is visible to all participants in the conversation.
Apple's iOS 26 update allows users to customize chat backgrounds in the Messages app using preset options or personal photos. This feature, however, changes the background for all participants in a chat who are also on iOS 26.