iOS 26 is all in regards to the new Liquid Glass redesign. Whereas that’s largely only a new coat of paint, it has result in a number of modifications to app format, making navigation simpler for Professional Max customers. However alongside these modifications, you even have new visible and have upgrades coming to the Messages app, for all iPhone customers. The brand new layered design lastly permits you to set customized backgrounds for an iMessage dialog, and now you can add polls to texts, or simply copy/paste textual content (all options which have been in third-party messaging apps for a very long time now). However iOS 26 is not simply in regards to the visible modifications: Apple can also be rolling out stricter parental management options, and higher spam filtering.
Filter out spam texts
The Messages app now has new folders with computerized filtering. When opening the app, you’ll see the brand new Filter button within the top-right nook. Among the many default folders is one for Unknown Senders, and one other for Spam.
This two-step system permits Apple to decide on how aggressive it’s with going after suspicious texts. Most messages and updates from unknown numbers will find yourself within the Unknown Senders folder, however don’t fear—this doesn’t apply to OTP messages, cargo updates, and transaction messages. You may’t reply to messages right here, but when the Messages app has wrongly filtered a message for you, you should utilize the Mark as Recognized button to maneuver it to the primary inbox.
The Spam folder is extra locked down. You received’t get any notifications for messages that present up right here, and all hyperlinks included in them can be disabled mechanically as properly. There’s additionally no option to work together or reply to messages right here, however like with the Unknown Senders folder, you may transfer a spam message to your important inbox if obligatory. As for telephone calls, higher spam filtering can also be making it to the Telephone app, too.
Customise your message background
Credit score: Khamosh Pathak
You may lastly change the background in iMessage conversations or group chats on a per-chat foundation. Faucet the Chat title in the direction of the highest of the web page, then select the Backgrounds choice. You’ll discover preset choices right here like “water” and “sky,” however it’s also possible to select a stable colour should you like. You too can select any photograph out of your library, or if in case you have a suitable telephone, use Picture Playground to generate an AI picture to make use of as a background.
When you select a background, it’ll present up for everybody in a gaggle chat, or the opposite occasion in an iMessage chat.
You may disable customized backgrounds in iMessage
Customized backgrounds are enjoyable, however they may not be for everybody. When you don’t just like the backgrounds for the group chats that you simply’re in, you may disable the function solely. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages and switch off Dialog Backgrounds.
Simply copy and paste textual content from messages
Credit score: Khamosh Pathak
This one has been a very long time coming. There’s now a straightforward option to choose simply the precise textual content you want from a really lengthy message. No extra pasting total texts into the Notes app simply to extract one thing like an handle. Now, to get solely what you want, merely faucet and maintain a message and select the brand new Choose choice. This may convey up a brand new textual content choice mode. Use the textual content cursor to pick the textual content you need, and select the Copy choice.
What do you suppose thus far?
Cease your youngsters from texting unknown numbers
The spam function within the Messages app additionally extends to parental controls. When you’re utilizing the Display screen Time parental controls options in your kid’s iPhone, you’ll now get an choice to cease them from messaging unknown numbers with out your consent. In case your youngsters attempt to message an unknown quantity, you’ll get a notification about it, much like once they attempt to buy an app. You may then select to approve the request if it’s respectable, like in case your little one is reaching out to a brand new classmate.
Stay Translation
Credit score: Khamosh Pathak
On gadgets with Apple Intelligence, the Messages app will now assist Stay Translate. Because of this two individuals can kind of their native languages, however their messages will get real-time translation on the opposite finish of the road. With this, I can discuss to my Spanish buddy in English, whereas he replies in Spanish. To allow the Stay Translate mode, choose a message and select Stay Translate from the menu, then allow it for both the entire dialog or simply that message. From my expertise, the Stay Translation function works quick and doesn’t decelerate dialog.
Stay Translate at present helps Chinese language (Mandarin, Simplified), French, German, Italian, English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).
Polls come to Messages
Credit score: Khamosh Pathak
This can be a small addition, however may be fairly helpful once you’re attempting to determine on one thing in a big group. Within the Messages app’s Plus menu, you’ll now discover a new Polls choice. To make use of it, add just a few choices (you may select as much as 12), kind out a message as query or context, and ship it alongside. Everybody in a texting group (and even an iMessage dialog) will have the ability to vote on it. Different members of the group can even add extra selections to the ballot.
Smaller Messages app modifications I’m excited for
Lastly, listed below are a few smaller modifications that I’m wanting ahead to:
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The Messages app now has a brand new typing indicator for people who find themselves typing within the chat.
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Apple Money is now supported in group chats, so you may switch cash with out going into iMessage conversations.
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The Genmoji function’s integration within the Messages app has been up to date to assist a number of Genmoji. Now, you may create a brand new Genmoji by combining two or extra emojis collectively. You may even edit them additional utilizing a textual content description.
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Emoji Tapbacks at the moment are accessible in CarPlay, so you may rapidly react to a message out of your automobile’s display with out manually swiping by way of the dialog.
