Apple's iOS 26 to Introduce AI-Powered Features in Messages App and Shortcuts

Messages app will gain two iOS 26 features inspired by WhatsApp - 9to5Mac

WWDC is almost here, and along with it the full reveal of what Apple's been preparing for iOS 26, its next major iPhone update. Per a new report today, the Messages app in iOS 26 is set to gain two new features inspired by WhatsApp. Today in Mark Gurman's big WWDC preview, he outlined Messages app changes coming in iOS 26. Gurman writes at Bloomberg: The two main changes are the ability to create polls and set a background image. The backgrounds will sync between devices, including those of other users, meaning that you and the people you are chatting with have the same look. Background images have long been available in WhatsApp and other popular messaging apps. The ability to sync between devices is nice, but I'm especially curious about the images syncing between users, too. It sounds a lot like the current feature for setting a custom photo and name for a group chat. Those details sync to all users involved in the chat, and apparently background images will do the same rather than being private to each user. Apple is working on adding support for polls to Messages. Apple is also testing integration with Apple Intelligence as part of this feature. For example, one possibility is that Messages could automatically suggest the poll structure based on the context of the conversation. Polls should prove a great addition to iMessage, and the possibility of an AI element sounds intriguing too -- if it works well, of course. Any other updates and changes Apple has coming to Messages in iOS 26 should be revealed in just a few days, as the full unveiling happens Monday. What do you think about these new Messages features expected in iOS 26? Let us know in the comments.

iOS 26 Getting Custom AI-Generated Message Backgrounds, Generative Shortcuts and 'Mixmoji'

The iOS 26 Messages app is set to gain support for customized backgrounds for conversations, and it appears that AI will be an option for generating different looks. According to Nicolás Alvarez, iOS 26 code suggests that users will be able to generate backgrounds for the Messages app using text-based descriptions. The feature appears to use Image Playground, and there will be Image Playground style options that include Animation, Illustration, and Sketch. The Messages backgrounds will be customizable on a per-conversation basis, so iPhone, iPad, and Mac users will be able to set a different background for each of their message threads. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously said that the backgrounds will sync between all participants in a Messages conversation. So if you set a specific background for an iMessage chat with a friend, the friend will see the same background. Other messaging apps like WhatsApp support custom background options, so Apple is playing catch-up with the new Messages app background feature. The Messages app is also set to gain support for polls, automatic translation for incoming messages in other languages, and the option to create Genmoji by combining two existing standard emoji. Apple plans to call the Genmoji mixing feature "Mixmoji." With this feature, you will be able to combine two emoji such as cake and balloons into a new emoji that features a cake and a balloon for a celebration. Apple has other AI features in the works, such as an Apple Intelligence-powered version of the Shortcuts app. Apple could call the new Shortcuts option "Generative Shortcuts," and it appears it will use natural language to help users create powerful multi-step shortcut actions. iOS 26 and the new Messages features will be shown off at WWDC 2025, which is set to begin on Monday, June 9 with a 10:00 a.m. keynote event.