The beta also brought a host of changes to Messages, including adding backgrounds to chats with saved contacts. Here's how to change a chat background in Messages with iOS 26.

Liven up your conversations in iOS 26 Messages by adding a custom background of your choosing. We'll walk you through the steps.

Here's how to change a chat background in Messages with iOS 26. Don't forget, iOS 26 is still in beta. That means the update might be buggy for you, and your device's battery life may be affected ...