Customize Your iOS 26 Messages with Chat Backgrounds

With the release of the iOS 26 public beta on July 24, Apple has introduced an exciting new feature for Messages: chat backgrounds. This update allows users to customize the visual aspect of their conversations, making it easier to identify chats at a glance. For instance, you can now distinguish your family group chat from the one with your friends, even if they’re both filled with emojis and inside jokes.

This update is more than just a cosmetic change. The Liquid Glass design element accompanying iOS 26 enhances the overall aesthetic of the interface, promising to offer richer visual feedback. The addition of chat backgrounds is a quality-of-life upgrade that aligns with modern messaging needs, offering a unique identity to each conversation.

However, it’s essential to remember that since iOS 26 is still in beta, some users may encounter bugs or performance issues, including potential impacts on battery life. Testing this beta version on a secondary device is advisable to avoid disruptions to your everyday use.

Customizing Your Chat Backgrounds

Changing your chat background in Messages is straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Open Messages.
2. Select a chat with a saved contact.
3. Tap the person’s or group’s name at the top of the screen.
4. Choose Backgrounds.

You’ll discover several options in the Backgrounds menu. The default setting is “None,” but you can opt for backgrounds such as Photo, Color, Sky, Water, Aurora, or Playground, available on Apple Intelligence-enabled devices. Each of these choices offers unique visual assets to enhance your messaging experience.

For example, selecting a live background like Sky provides multiple filter options, including Dusk and Sunset, while the Photo option lets you choose any image from your library. After selecting an image, you can crop and apply filters to tailor it perfectly for your chat. Once satisfied, simply tap the checkmark to set it as your background.

The Playground option opens up Apple’s AI-driven image generation tool, allowing you to create a custom background by entering descriptive text or selecting from suggested themes. This feature adds a layer of creativity, making your chats even more personal.

If you’re not pleased with your current background, reverting to the default “None” option is always an option. Just keep in mind that changes you make will be visible to others in the chat, so choose your images wisely.

Individual Backgrounds for Each Chat

One notable aspect of this feature is that if you set a background for one chat, it won’t automatically apply to others. You could have a sentimental photo in the chat with your parents while a fun, casual background appears in your sibling group chat. This customization allows you to visually categorize conversations.

Using different backgrounds can serve as a handy visual cue. If you and your spouse have a heart-themed background, not spotting it when you open a chat can remind you to check who you’re texting before sending an awkward message.

Moreover, backgrounds can significantly enhance the user experience, providing a personal touch to each chat session. For users who enjoy chatting frequently, this feature can make texting a more engaging and enjoyable experience.

As we look forward to future updates from Apple, the enhancements in iOS 26, including chat backgrounds and other features, signify a move towards a more customized messaging experience, enriching how we interact with our devices.