Apple’s new major version of its mobile software arrives in September, with messaging in particular for a large upgrade.
The application of messages in iOS 26 has received a new look with the so -called liquid glass design. At the same time, it introduces a range of features that improve private and group cats, from personalized backgrounds to intelligent translation in real time.
Here is an overview of everything that happens.
Personalized context for each conversation
You can now choose a personalized background for each cat. Users can choose from ready -to -use themes such as the sky or water, solid color options or images of their own gallery. It is also possible to generate images using the AI “Image Playground” application from Apple.
This feature is only available in iMessage conversations and requires iOS 26, iPad OS 26 or Mac OS Tahoe.
Surveys in cats
Users can create surveys directly in cats, with up to twelve response options.
On devices that support Apple Intelligence, messages can also suggest creating a conversation content survey.
Live translation in real time
Using Apple Intelligence, the application can translate messages as you type, allowing conversations between people who speak different languages.
The functionality supports English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and simplified Chinese.
Apple
Group cat improvements
Group cats obtain two potentially useful new features. As in cat 1: 1, he will now show indicators of who writes, corresponding to what is already available on WhatsApp.
Elsewhere, it is also possible to quickly add participants unknown to your contacts.
Smarter copy
Select and copy individual parts of a message, such as a address field or tracking number, simply by pressing and selecting “select”.
New filters for messages
Messages from unknown shippers and suspected spam can now be sorted in different categories: unknown, transactions, advertising, spam and recently deleted. It is also possible to mask the notifications of certain categories, apart from messages sensitive to time.
Natural text search
The research function has been improved and now includes natural language, so you can type research in everyday language rather than exact sentences.
Image management when the data is low
A new parameter sends low -quality images of images when the iPhone uses limited data. The full version is automatically sent each time the phone is connected to Wi-Fi.
New Genmoji features
Genmoji allows you to combine two or more emoji symbols in a new personalized symbol. The result can also be personalized with text descriptions.
Again, it is an Apple Intelligence feature, but it operates similarly to the stacked emojis that became viral in 2024, illustrated below.
Emma Rowley / Foundry
Improvements in Carplay
Messages in Carplay now support Tapbacks, as well as the possibility of pinning conversations for quick access.
EU alignment and future encryption
In the EU, a new API is introduced which allows third -party applications to send and receive SMS, MMS and RC. Apple also plans to introduce end -to -end encryption for RCS conversations between iPhone and Android users in future updates.
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This article originally appeared on our sister publication Macworld Sweden and has been translated and adapted from the Swedish.