Apple has introduced one of the most requested personalization features in iOS 26: the ability to change the background on iMessage chats. For years, Apple’s messaging app kept the same plain interface while competitors like WhatsApp, Telegram, and even Facebook Messenger offered options to decorate conversations with wallpapers and themes.
With the iOS 26 update, iMessage now gives iPhone and iPad users the freedom to customize their chat windows with colors, photos, or even AI-generated artwork.
The feature goes beyond cosmetic appeal. A personalized background can help make conversations stand out, especially in group chats, and it adds a sense of individuality to everyday messaging. Apple has also made the experience collaborative, as your chosen wallpaper is visible not only to you but also to the other person in the chat, provided they are running iOS 26 or later. In group conversations, anyone can set the background, and it instantly updates for every member, creating a shared visual identity for the chat.
Changing the background on iMessage is straightforward. Apple has tucked the setting inside the conversation details screen, similar to how you manage group names and photos. Here’s how to do it:
-
Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad and select any iMessage conversation.
-
Tap on the contact name or group name at the top of the screen to open the details view.
-
Select the Backgrounds option from the menu.
-
Choose how you want to customize your background:
- Pick from Apple’s preset gallery of wallpapers.
- Upload a photo from your own library.
- Select a solid or gradient color.
- Generate a new background using Image Playground, Apple Intelligence’s creative tool.
5. Preview your choice, then tap the checkmark in the top right corner to apply it.
Once set, the wallpaper instantly updates for the selected chat. If you are in a one-on-one conversation, the other person will see the same background as long as they are also using iOS 26 or later. In group chats, the update applies to every participant. This creates a unified look and adds a playful, social element to customizing conversations.
Apple’s integration of Image Playground makes the feature more powerful than what other messaging apps offer. Instead of being limited to static images, you can generate entirely new backgrounds with the help of AI. For example, you could create a city skyline, a seasonal theme, or a playful abstract pattern directly inside the iMessage settings without needing a third-party app. This adds a layer of creativity and personalization that feels distinctly tied to Apple Intelligence.
If you ever change your mind, you can return to the Backgrounds menu and select a new design or reset the chat to its classic iMessage look. Apple has designed the process to be lightweight, so switching wallpapers does not affect your chat history or message syncing.
