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With iOS 26, Apple is introducing a new feature that many iPhone users have been missing for a while: customizable backgrounds for conversations in the Messages app. This makes it possible for the first time to customize chats—with photos, colors, or AI-generated images. The feature, already familiar from apps like WhatsApp, is now becoming standard on iPhones.
The Messages app has been rather reluctant to offer personalization in recent years. iOS 26 changes that. The new background feature makes it easier to visually distinguish between chats and ensures that private, professional, or group conversations are more quickly recognizable. This all works directly within the app and is effective system-wide on all Apple devices, provided they're connected to the same account and running the latest software.
Backgrounds in iOS 26: What's possible
In iOS 26, chat backgrounds can be customized for each conversation. There are three main options to choose from:
- Photo: An image from our own media library
- Color: A solid color area made up of various preset tones
- Image Playground: An input mask in which an image is created by the AI using text descriptions
There are also pre-made themes like "Sky," "Water," or "Aurora." These can be browsed with a swipe gesture, including a preview. Once a background is selected, it is visible to everyone in the respective conversation. This means that if someone changes the background in a group chat, everyone involved will see it.
How to change the background
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone
- Select the conversation you want to customize
- Tap the contact or group name at the top
- Select the menu item “Backgrounds”
- Choose one of the three main options: Photo, Color or Image Playground
- Use the preview to browse through the available variants
- Select the desired background and confirm in the top right corner
How to reset the background
If you want to return to the standard layout, you can do so at any time:
- Open the affected conversation
- Tap the name and select “Backgrounds”
- Select “None” – this will restore the original iMessage background
- Use the back arrow to accept the selection
Tips for a meaningful design
The feature allows for creative freedom, but also has limitations. It's important that the background doesn't impair the readability of messages. Dark photos work well with light text bubbles, and light backgrounds work better with dark text. iOS 26 automatically adjusts the colors of text bubbles, but some combinations work better than others. For chats with many participants or frequent message exchanges, a calm background without too many details is recommended.
Messages app on iOS 26: Sync across all devices
Changes to chat backgrounds are automatically synced across all devices connected to the same Apple ID. This applies to iPhones with iOS 26, iPads with iPadOS 26, and Macs with macOS Tahoe. The selected background is displayed on all devices without having to set it multiple times. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / sdx15)
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FAQ about iOS 26 and custom chat backgrounds
iOS 26 introduces the ability to customize chat backgrounds in the Messages app for the first time – with photos, colors, or AI-generated images.
In iOS 26, you can change the background in a conversation via the contact menu. You can choose from photos, colors, and the new Image Playground.
No, in iOS 26, custom wallpapers are automatically synced across all Apple devices with the same account—including iPad and Mac.
Yes, in iOS 26, all chat participants in a group will see the changed background once it has been adjusted in a conversation.
iOS 26 offers three main options: a photo from the library, a solid color, or an AI-generated image via the Image Playground.
iOS 26 is currently still in beta. The final version will be released in September and will then be available to all users.
To reset the background, select the "None" option in the chat view. This will restore the default background.
iOS 26 automatically adjusts the text color to match the background. However, it's recommended to pay attention to contrast—for example, light text on a dark photo.
The Image Playground is a new feature in iOS 26 that allows you to create AI-generated images that can be used as chat backgrounds.
