Apple is reportedly set to introduce customizable background wallpapers and interactive polls to the Messages app in iOS 26, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The update will allow users to personalize their message threads with custom wallpapers—similar to features already available in apps like Snapchat and WhatsApp. These wallpapers are expected to sync across devices, meaning both the sender and recipient will see the same background in their conversation.
Another notable addition is interactive polls, enabling users to create and share multiple-choice questions in both individual and group chats. This mirrors similar polling features found in WhatsApp, offering a more dynamic way to gather feedback and make group decisions.
Beyond Messages, iOS 26 is rumored to include a broader visual redesign inspired by visionOS, the operating system behind Apple’s Vision Pro headset. The new design language may feature translucent interface elements and a sleeker, glass-like aesthetic system-wide. Observers have pointed to the stylized “25” in Apple’s WWDC25 logo as a subtle nod to this layered, transparent visual style.
