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ZDNet
Yes, you can change your Messages backgrounds on iPhone
With the release of iOS 26, iPhone users can customize the backgrounds of their Messages. This long-awaited feature enables users to choose from Apple presets or photos from their camera roll. However, there's a catch: the new background will be visible to all chat members, similar to a group chat name change. Conversely, users who prefer a cleaner interface can opt out of seeing the background updates by adjusting their settings.
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Published 20 Aug 2026, 12:00 UTC3 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- iOS 26 allows for custom message backgrounds on iPhone.
- Users can choose from preset options or personal photos.
- All chat participants will see the changed background.
- Background change notifications appear for all chat members.
- Options to disable seeing backgrounds are available.
Interesting facts
- iOS 26's feature mimics Android's long-standing customization options.
- Users can fully customize their own message threads for clarity.
Coverage gaps