- iOS 26 introduces custom iMessage chat wallpapers.
- Choose from Photo, Color, Sky, Water, and Aurora options.
- iPhone 15 Pro and newer users get AI-generated backgrounds via Image Playground.
- Available now in beta; full release coming this fall 2025.
Apple is now jumping into the trend of customization. iOS 26 will soon allow iPhone users to send custom images as backgrounds of chats in iMessage so that its users can use the same feature that WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram users have enjoyed for years.
This feature will allow you to customize individual or group chats with photos, colors, and much more, making the Messages app feel more dynamic and more expressive.
How to use custom backgrounds in iMessage: Here is how to do it and take a peek at an extra handy feature in iPhone 15 Pro or later.
How to set a custom wallpaper in iMessage on iOS 26
iOS 26 is in its beta development and will be available to the public this fall. After updating your iPhone, you can go to the following steps to customize chat backgrounds:
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Select a private or group chat.
- Tap the name of the person or group at the top.
- Tap Backgrounds.
- Choose from Apple’s preset options like:
- Photo
- Color
- Sky
- Water
- Aurora
You may customize the appearance by selecting colors, tones, and brightness according to your choice, or iOS will offer you to use the photos you have shared in that chat before.
Bonus feature for iPhone 15 Pro & newer: AI-generated wallpapers
If you set a background by using iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or later models that support Apple Intelligence, there is a Playground option in the available options.
Here’s how it works
- Follow the same steps to enter the Backgrounds menu.
- Select Playground.
- The Image Playground will launch, allowing you to:
- Describe the wallpaper you want.
- Pick from preset suggestions.
- Instantly generate custom art for your chat.
This AI feature allows you to generate your unique backgrounds, assists you in making something unique in every conversation.
