You can choose and change your Messages background on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it in iOS 26:
° Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.
° Tap on the conversation with the contact or group you want to customize.
° Tap the contact’s or group’s name/profile picture at the top of the conversation screen.
° Tap “Backgrounds”: On the details screen, select the “Backgrounds” option.
° Choose a Background Type: Select your preferred type of background: photo (select an image from your photo library), color (pick a solid or gradient color), Sky/Water/Aurora (choose from Apple-provided dynamic and animated backgrounds), and Playground (use Image Playground to generate an image based on a description you provide).
° Swipe left or right to find a style you like from the preview.
° Tap the blue check mark in the top-right corner to confirm your choice.
° Tap the back button in the top-left corner to return to your conversation and see the new background.
Note that this feature is exclusive to iMessage conversations between iPhone users running the latest iOS version. Also note that when you change a background, it applies to everyone in that conversation.
