iOS 26 will be announced tonight: these are the last rumors

iOS 26 gets a completely new design and new functions, and according to the latest rumors there are also features for the Message app.

iOS 26: The last rumors

Apple presents tonight during the WWDC A large software update for the iPhone at 7 pm Dutch time. It was expected that the iOS 19 would be called, but it will probably be iOS 26. In addition to a completely new design, the new operating system will also get all kinds of new functions, and according to the latest rumors the app messages will also get new features.

The Message app

According to rumors in iOS 26, the app messages receives support for adapted backgrounds of conversations and you can probably use AI to generate different looks. Nicolás Alvarez says on X that the code of iOS 26 suggests that users can generate backgrounds for the Message app through textual descriptions. The function seems to use Image Playground, which means that there are image playground style options, including animation, illustration and sketch.

It becomes possible to adjust the backgrounds of messages per conversation so that. Earlier rumors already said that in iOS 26 the backgrounds are synchronized for all participants in a message conversation. So if you set a specific background for a conversation with a friend, that friend will see the same background. Other apps such as WhatsApp have been supporting adapted background options for some time, so Apple is lagging behind the new background function.

Mixmoji

The Message app also receives support for polls, automatic translation of incoming messages and the possibility to make Genmoji by combining two existing emoji. This mix function is called ‘Mixmoji’. With that you can, for example, combine two emoji, such as a cake and balloons, into a new emoji for a party, with both a cake and a balloon.

Apple also works on other AI functions, such as an Apple Intelligence-powered version of the App assignments. This may be ‘called generative assignments’ and it seems that the natural language function is used to create extensive assignments.

Furthermore, according to rumors, there are more Apple apps that receive an update in iOS 26. This way we expect a renewed layout for the Agenda app and the Gezonehity app gets a health coach. The interface of the camera app also becomes a lot more minimalist, with a beam below with only two options: ‘photo’ and ‘Video’. After you have made a choice, you can adjust further settings.