iOS 26 Introduces Visually Stunning Features for iPhone Users
The launch of iOS 26 marks a significant aesthetic evolution for the iPhone. The innovative Liquid Glass design intricately weaves itself into the core functionalities of the operating system, harmonizing seamlessly with various on-screen elements.
Notably, these visual enhancements extend to users’ messaging experiences, allowing for personalized backgrounds in chats. Whether for individual conversations or group threads, each interaction can now be imbued with a distinctive flair.
Below is a guide on how to customize backgrounds in messages on your iPhone.
Understanding Chat Backgrounds
While many third-party messaging applications, such as WhatsApp, have offered theme customization for some time, Apple’s native Messages app has only recently joined this creative trend.
However, Apple’s approach stands out for its elegant execution. Within the Backgrounds section, users can choose from a selection of themes, including:
- Colour
- Sky
- Water
- Aurora
Additionally, Apple provides sample backgrounds to enhance your text chains. For those seeking a more personalized touch, any image from the iPhone’s gallery can be utilized as a background. If creativity strikes, the Image Playground feature generates backgrounds based on user prompts.
The feature is interactive: a change made by one participant in a chat updates everyone’s view, provided all devices are running iOS 26. For traditionalists wishing to retain a classic messaging experience, disabling this feature is straightforward.
Steps to Add Custom Backgrounds to Messages
Step 1: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone and select a conversation.
Step 2: Tap the name of the contact or group displayed at the top.
Step 3: Navigate to the Backgrounds tab.
Step 4: Choose a theme: Colour, Water, Sky, or Aurora. After making your selection, apply a filter if desired.
Step 5: To set an image as your background, click on Photo and select a picture from your gallery.
Step 6: Adjust the image as necessary, then confirm by tapping the tick icon when satisfied.
Removing Custom Backgrounds from Conversations
Step 1: Open the Messages app and select the conversation you wish to modify.
Step 2: Tap the name of the contact or group at the top.
Step 3: Access the Backgrounds tab.
Step 4: Select None to eliminate the current background.
Disabling Conversation Backgrounds
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Tap on Apps.
Step 3: Select Messages.
Step 4: Toggle off the switch next to Conversation Backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the conversation background on my iPhone?
Access the Messages app, open a conversation, tap the contact name, navigate to the ‘Backgrounds’ tab, and select a desired background.
How do I set a picture from my iPhone’s gallery as the conversation background?
Within a conversation, tap the contact name, switch to the Background tab, select ‘Photo’, choose an image from your gallery, adjust its size, and confirm by tapping the tick icon.
How do I remove the custom background from a conversation?
In the Messages app, select the conversation, tap the contact name, navigate to the Backgrounds tab, and select ‘None’.
Is there a way to disable conversation backgrounds on my iPhone?
Navigate to Settings > Apps > Messages and turn off the toggle next to ‘Conversation Backgrounds’.
Why can’t I see the background image in messages?
The background image feature for messages is exclusive to iOS 26. Ensure your device is updated to access this functionality.
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Concluding Thoughts
If indecision strikes when choosing a background, the Image Playground allows you to generate unique options based on prompts. Besides background customization, iOS 26 also introduces live translation for messages, enhancing communication significantly. Share your thoughts or queries in the comments!
Source link: Gadgetbridge.com.