Apple has introduced five new features for group chats in the Messages app with iOS 26, enhancing communication capabilities for iPhone users by expanding existing tools and adding new functionalities.
Typing indicators
The first feature involves typing indicators, which have long been available in one-on-one iMessage conversations but were absent from group chats until now. In iOS 26, these indicators display when participants in a group conversation begin typing a message, provided all users have updated to the latest software version. This change allows group members to see real-time activity, making interactions more dynamic and responsive across multiple participants.
Polls
Polls represent another addition, designed to facilitate quick decision-making within groups. Users access this tool by tapping the ‘+’ button located in the lower-left corner of the Messages interface, where a Polls option appears. Once selected, individuals can create polls to gather opinions on topics such as scheduling availability, food preferences, or other group-related matters. For iPhones compatible with Apple Intelligence, the system generates poll suggestions that appear in the row above the on-screen keyboard, streamlining the creation process and offering tailored ideas based on context.
Apple Cash
Apple Cash integration extends to group chats in iOS 26, building on its prior availability solely for individual conversations introduced in iOS 18. This payment service enables users to send and request money securely directly within group threads. Practical applications include dividing costs after shared experiences, such as group travel or dining outings, without needing to switch to separate apps. The feature maintains Apple’s emphasis on ease and security for peer-to-peer transactions among Apple device users.
Backgrounds
Backgrounds provide a customization option for group chats, allowing users to apply visual elements to the conversation interface. To set a background, participants tap the group icon at the top of the screen to access the details view, then navigate to the Backgrounds section. Options include predefined built-in designs, personal photographs from the user’s library, or newly generated images created through the Image Playground tool. Importantly, the selected background applies to the entire group and remains visible to every member, ensuring a unified aesthetic experience.
Add contact button
The add contact button simplifies managing participant information in group chats, which often include both familiar and unfamiliar contacts. By tapping the group icon to open the details view, users see a list of all members. For those not already saved in the user’s contacts, an ‘Add to Contacts’ button appears next to their entry. This allows immediate saving of phone numbers or other details, reducing friction in building personal contact lists from ongoing group interactions.
