Apple has slowly been ramping up the number of ways you can personalize the look of your iPhone, and in iOS 26 that customization treatment makes its way into the Messages app. Once you download the iOS 26 update, you're able to change the background of any Messages conversation to match the topic of discussion or personality of the participants.

Is this an earth-shattering iOS 26 addition? Not really, but it does add a bit of playfulness to what has been a pretty static background. And since anyone running iOS 26 can change the background of a conversation in Messages, it's a way to make people feel more engaged while also putting their own stamp on the proceedings.

Changing your Messages background in iOS 26 works in both group chats and one-on-one conversations. Here's how to put the

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