Adding Custom Backgrounds to Messages in iOS: A Step-by-Step Guide (Version 26)
Apple has recently released iOS 26, its latest operating system update, which brings a host of new features to the Messages app. One of the most notable additions is the ability to customise chat backgrounds.
With iOS 26, users can now add unique backgrounds to their chats in the Messages app. This feature is available on iPhone devices, and if you have an Apple Intelligence-enabled device, you can even generate your own custom background.
To access the chat background menu, simply navigate to a conversation in the Messages app. Here, you'll find a new section called 'Suggestions'. Tapping on this will open the Image Playground menu, where you can choose from Apple's premade backgrounds or use one of your own photos.
If you choose to use one of your own photos, you'll be taken to a menu where you can resize or add a filter to the photo before accepting it. Interestingly, it seems that the Image Playground option and the photo suggestions in the Suggestions section serve the same purpose.
It's important to note that choosing a unique chat background can help you keep track of who you are talking to in different chats. However, adding, changing, or removing a chat background will be visible to the other people in the chat.
Moreover, you can only add or alter chat backgrounds with people who are saved in your contacts. If a chat does not have a background, it may be a chat with someone who is not saved in your contacts.
In addition to customisable chat backgrounds, iOS 26 also introduces polls in group chats, and other new communication features in the Messages app. The update also includes a new Liquid Glass redesign, and it seems that iOS 26 has hidden features for iPhones.
The release of iOS 26 follows the June Worldwide Developers Conference where it was announced. So, if you're an iPhone user, make sure to update to iOS 26 to start personalising your chats and take advantage of these new features.
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