Apple has introduced an easy method of personalizing messages in Messages on iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. It is now possible to customize every chat. This can be used to differentiate threads by looking at them, and it makes group discussions more intimate. The feature is able to work on devices sharing the same Apple ID and running the updated system.
Requirements and Sync
This feature requires iOS 26 or iPadOS 26. Devices on older software will not show backgrounds. Any change you make on one device will appear on your other devices that are signed into the same account and that run the new software. A background set on an iPhone will show on an iPad or a Mac with the update. Remember that everyone in the conversation will see the background you choose. Pick images that you are comfortable sharing with the group.
Pick and Apply
Open the Messages application when it is open, and then open a conversation that you want to modify. Click the thread title at the top of the screen. Tap Backgrounds. Select one of the rounded previews or tap Suggestions to view additional previews. Once you have selected a background, swipe to change palettes and style. Pinch gestures can be used to crop a photo in case it requires some tweaking. Once you are satisfied with the outcome, press the blue check on the top left to implement it. Later, the chat will update automatically, and the new appearance will be reflected on your other devices.
Background options include your own photos or built-in scenes. Photos uses your photo library and lets you search your albums. Color shows wave-like gradients and lets you pick each color. Sky shows a subtle animated skyline with changes for the time of day. Water creates a calm underwater scene with light effects. Aurora displays shifting northern lights color schemes. Playground lets you type a short description and generate an image to use as a background.
Privacy and Tips
Avoid backgrounds that show private information like addresses, receipts, or personal documents. Choose images with good contrast so that the message text stays easy to read. Use simple or muted images for work threads so the content remains clear. If a background does not sync, check that all devices are updated and that iCloud is signed in. To remove a background, open the thread tap Backgrounds and select None to return the conversation to the default view.