iOS 26 Messages brings transformative new group chat features
When iOS 26 was first released, it introduced a significant bug that affected group chats, causing messages to be sent individually rather than to the entire group. This glitch was particularly problematic for users in groups that included contacts without iPhones, leading to confusion and frustration among many. Affected users took to platforms like Reddit to voice their concerns, highlighting how this issue disrupted their communication. However, in the weeks following the update, Apple appears to have resolved this bug, allowing users to refocus on the exciting new features that iOS 26 has to offer.
Among the standout updates, 9to5Mac identified five features that have garnered attention and sparked conversations among users. One of the most notable is the introduction of a typing indicator in group chats, which was previously exclusive to one-on-one conversations. While some users have expressed a desire to disable this feature, others find it adds a new layer of engagement to group discussions. Additionally, the ability to create polls within group chats has been met with enthusiasm, with Mashable’s Alex Perry praising it as a fun tool for settling everything from dinner plans to lighthearted debates among friends. Another intriguing addition is the option to send Apple Cash directly in group chats, which, while not as popular as services like Venmo or CashApp, could prove useful for settling shared expenses during outings or trips.
Moreover, iOS 26 allows users to personalize their group chat experience by changing backgrounds, adding a creative and fun twist to conversations. For instance, one user humorously shared that their group chat background features a photo of their cat edited to look like it’s wearing jeans. This customization option opens up endless possibilities for group chat aesthetics, allowing users to express their personalities and interests. As the initial frustrations fade, it seems that iOS 26 is fostering a more interactive and enjoyable messaging experience, encouraging users to explore these new features and enhance their group chat dynamics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyHmwms5IlM
When
iOS 26
first dropped, there was one pretty huge group chat bug.
Some
users complained
that their messages to existing group chats were sent as individual chats instead of chats to the entire group, and didn’t show in the group chat at all. A
user on Reddit said
the bug was particularly stark with chats that included numbers that weren’t tied to iPhones.
But in the few weeks since, that bug seems to be fixed, and users have begun to shift their focus away from the frustrations of a new iOS system and towards the fun new features.
9to5Mac
wrote up a rundown of the five most intriguing features, including the typing indicator, polls, Apple Cash, background changing, and adding contacts.
The typing indicator was once reserved for one-on-one conversations, but iOS 26 brought the text bubble to group chats. Of course, not everyone is elated (
one user wrote on Reddit
looking for a way to remove it since they “really don’t want” the feature), but personally, I find it cool.
Group chats also got polls, which
Mashable’s Alex Perry
called “one of my favorite” new features after trying it out in beta, saying it is “nominally a feature for deciding where to get dinner, but will really be a feature that’s used to settle incredibly arcane, nonsensical inside-joke arguments among friend groups.”
Groups can also send Apple Cash. I don’t personally know anyone who uses this form of money transferring before using Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, or, of course, literal cash, but I suppose if you’re interested in settling money after a bachelorette trip, I could see this being useful.
You can also change the background of a group chat. One of my group chats has changed to a photo of my cat edited to look like he’s wearing jeans.
The options, fellas? They’re endless.
