# iOS 26 Revamps Messages with Updated Design, Group Chat Enhancements, and More
The Messages application from Apple undergoes major upgrades in iOS 26, showcasing a contemporary design and numerous features aimed at enhancing user engagement.
## Liquid Glass Revamp
The Messages application showcases a fresh **‘Liquid Glass’ revamp** that reinvigorates the user interface. Controls have been refreshed, and UI components are in harmony with the overall design of iOS 26, presenting a familiar yet updated appearance.
## Improved Group Chat Features
Group chats are a central aspect of this upgrade, featuring several new tools to boost interaction:
– **Typing Notifications**: Users can now view real-time indicators showing who is currently typing, applicable to both individual and group discussions.
– **Polls**: An innovative polling tool enables users to easily collect feedback from group participants.
– **Apple Cash Integration**: Users can transfer and receive funds via Apple Cash directly within group chats.
## Personalization and AI Tools
Users can set **background images** for various conversations, including an option to create AI-designed backgrounds using the Image Playground. Moreover, **real-time translation** powered by Apple Intelligence aids communication with friends or family who speak different languages.
## Spam Mitigation
To tackle spam, iOS 26 launches **message filtration** for unfamiliar senders. Messages from unknown contacts are routed to a special folder, allowing users to handle them efficiently. Users can identify numbers as known, seek additional information, or eliminate undesired messages, which will remain muted until accepted.
## Enhanced Message Handling
A minor yet significant feature enables users to **copy only a portion of a message**, instead of the whole text. Additionally, the **search functionality** in Messages has been improved with AI support, allowing users to look for messages, images, and files using natural language inquiries.
## Cross-Platform Accessibility
The new functionalities in Messages are also available on Apple’s other platforms, such as Mac and iPad, through complementary software updates like macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26.
What are your favorite new Messages enhancements in iOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments.
