Apple's Messages Backgrounds May Finally Save Me From Awkward Reveals in Group Chats
It's not exactly groundbreaking (or even original), but Apple's announcement during its WWDC keynote that you'll be able to add a background image in Messages could save me and my friend groups.
Apple announced that as part of its new iOS 26 -- yes, the name is confirmed -- Messages will get a few upgrades, specifically in group chats.
Similar to what you can do in Meta's WhatsApp, you'll now be able to change the background color or image for group chats. This can come in particularly handy when you have multiple chats with overlapping members. I have one friend group with dozens of members, but just a handful go on trips together.
That's led to some awkward moments when some members of the bigger group get included in messages that are just for our travel group. The only way to distinguish them is in the name of the group, but a customized background could help me quickly identify my travel buddies (beach scene) from the larger group.
Plus, the upgrade will toggle the message so I can see who's in the process of writing a text. Again, it's a small thing, but it lets the speaker indicate they have a followup. So we can all pause before we jump in with our opinions. And speaking of opinions, you'll also be able to add polls -- no more 40 messages from everyone debating where to eat.
The Message update isn't exactly earth-shattering, but will make my life a little easier (and less embarassing).
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