Apple’s upcoming macOS Tahoe 26 introduces a suite of significant updates to the Messages application, enhancing user experience through customization, improved functionality, and advanced intelligence features.
Personalized Chat Backgrounds
Users can now personalize individual or group conversations by setting custom backgrounds. Options include a variety of built-in themes such as sky, water, and aurora, as well as the ability to select images from the Photos library. Additionally, the integration of Image Playground allows for the creation of unique backgrounds. These customizations are synchronized across all participants in the conversation, ensuring a cohesive visual experience. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/?utm_source=openai))
Interactive Polls
The introduction of polls within conversations facilitates collective decision-making. Users can propose up to 12 options, enabling participants to vote in real-time. This feature is particularly useful for coordinating group activities or making shared decisions. For Macs equipped with Apple Intelligence, the system can proactively suggest creating a poll based on the context of the conversation, streamlining the process. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/?utm_source=openai))
Group Chat Typing Indicators
Enhancing group communication, macOS Tahoe 26 adds typing indicators in group chats. This feature allows users to see when others are composing messages, providing a more dynamic and responsive chat environment. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/?utm_source=openai))
Advanced Filtering and Spam Protection
To combat the increasing issue of spam messages, the updated Messages app incorporates on-device spam detection filters. These filters automatically segregate spam messages into a dedicated Spam section, accessible via a new filtering option. Messages from unknown senders are placed in an Unknown Senders section, where users can review and either mark them as known or delete them. This organization helps maintain a clutter-free inbox and ensures important messages are not overlooked. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/?utm_source=openai))
Enhanced Search Capabilities
Leveraging Apple Intelligence, the Messages app now supports natural language search. Users can input queries like photos of dad during our trip to New York, and the app will retrieve relevant conversations and media. This improvement simplifies the process of locating specific messages or shared content. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/?utm_source=openai))
Live Translation
A notable addition is the Live Translation feature, which automatically translates messages in real-time. This functionality is invaluable for users communicating across different languages, as it translates outgoing messages into the recipient’s preferred language and incoming messages into the user’s language. This seamless translation ensures clear and effective communication without language barriers. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/?utm_source=openai))
Redesigned Conversation Details Interface
The conversation details interface has been overhauled for improved usability. Users can now easily access shared content such as photos, links, and locations within a conversation. Managing group chats is more straightforward, with options to view contact details, add new participants, and control translation features directly from the conversation details pane. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/?utm_source=openai))
Integration with Apple Intelligence
The integration of Apple Intelligence across these features enhances the overall functionality of the Messages app. From suggesting polls based on conversation context to enabling natural language searches and live translations, Apple Intelligence contributes to a more intuitive and efficient messaging experience. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/?utm_source=openai))
Availability
macOS Tahoe 26 is slated for public release later this fall, with a public beta expected to be available later this month. These enhancements in the Messages app reflect Apple’s commitment to improving user communication through personalization, advanced functionality, and intelligent features. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-26/?utm_source=openai))
