iOS 26 adds customizable Messages backgrounds, but the whole chat can see them

In a guide published Aug. 22, 2026, ZDNet walked through the process. Open the Messages app and select a thread. Tap the contact information at the top of the chat, then tap Backgrounds. From there, users can choose one of four dynamic options from Apple—Color, Sky, Water, and Aurora—or tap Photo to select an image from the camera roll. The phone may suggest photos, and users can crop and add filters. Tap the blue checkmark in the top right corner to apply.

The change is immediately visible and adds a note in the chat saying "You changed the background" with a date and time stamp. Other participants see a message reading "(Your name) changed the background." ZDNet noted that this is similar to renaming a group chat, where the new name appears for all members.

The shared visibility can be awkward. If a user changes, for example, an ex's chat background to a Demogorgon, the ex will see it right away, as long as they are on iOS 26. The feature also works on iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and later, according to the report.

For recipients who do not want to see a background added by someone else, ZDNet said the setting can be turned off completely. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggle Conversation Backgrounds off. This only affects the view on the user's own device; the person who changed the background still sees it. To revert a thread to plain white, tap the contact info, tap Backgrounds, and choose None. ZDNet notes that this also removes the background for other members of the chat.