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iOS 26 Getting Custom AI-Generated Message Backgrounds, Generative Shortcuts and 'Mixmoji'

thmsnt said:
I've been an iPhone/Apple user for about 10 years now (6s, 8 Plus, 13 Pro, 15 Pro).

This is the first time in the last decade that I've seriously considered switching back to Android.

I want to stick with iPhone, but what they show off on Monday better be spectacular...or I'm gonna be one of those people with an Android and a Mac :p
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They have NOTHING. I am all in on Apple, but it seems they have NOTHING. Actually less than nothing, because they will add things that clutter up interface etc.
 
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Not being sarcastic: I believe they should not mention Siri or AI at all. Because they have NOTHING. If they have some features ready that are not related to Siri or AI, they should show off those. And talk about hardware if they can.
 
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MacRumors said:


The iOS 26 Messages app is set to gain support for customized backgrounds for conversations, and it appears that AI will be an option for generating different looks.

iOS-26-Messages-Background-Mock-Feature.jpg

According to Nicolás Alvarez, iOS 26 code suggests that users will be able to generate backgrounds for the Messages app using text-based descriptions. The feature appears to use Image Playground, and there will be Image Playground style options that include Animation, Illustration, and Sketch.

The Messages backgrounds will be customizable on a per-conversation basis, so iPhone, iPad, and Mac users will be able to set a different background for each of their message threads. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously said that the backgrounds will sync between all participants in a Messages conversation. So if you set a specific background for an iMessage chat with a friend, the friend will see the same background.

Other messaging apps like WhatsApp support custom background options, so Apple is playing catch-up with the new Messages app background feature.

The Messages app is also set to gain support for polls, automatic translation for incoming messages in other languages, and the option to create Genmoji by combining two existing standard emoji. Apple plans to call the Genmoji mixing feature "Mixmoji." With this feature, you will be able to combine two emoji such as cake and balloons into a new emoji that features a cake and a balloon for a celebration.

Apple has other AI features in the works, such as an Apple Intelligence-powered version of the Shortcuts app. Apple could call the new Shortcuts option "Generative Shortcuts," and it appears it will use natural language to help users create powerful multi-step shortcut actions.

iOS 26 and the new Messages features will be shown off at WWDC 2025, which is set to begin on Monday, June 9 with a 10:00 a.m. keynote event.

Article Link: iOS 26 Getting Custom AI-Generated Message Backgrounds, Generative Shortcuts and 'Mixmoji'
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I think I am gonna hold off on upgrading day one with the exception of my AppleTV. Every year iPhone especially always has issues after a major upgrade and I am getting SICK SICK and TIRED of it!!! I do not have a AI compatible iPhone anyway so who cares?
 
This feature has also been available on Facebook Messenger for a long time (as well as WhatsApp)
MacRumors said:
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously said that the backgrounds will sync between all participants in a Messages conversation. So if you set a specific background for an iMessage chat with a friend, the friend will see the same background.
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That’s nice to have as the default setting but please allow users the option of disabling the ‘pushed’ synchronization of chat backgrounds (on a per chat basis) from within each individual chat’s settings so that users can override and disable a (or any future) ‘pushed’ background(s) if they so choose
 
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Apple completely missed the boat with Messages when they failed to support Android and the PC with it. Now their lunch has been eaten. If Apple open sourced it when Steve said then it would be the number one messaging app. Now it's not even considered.
 
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What a waste of r&d

I guess they have to deliver what the most people will buy
 
Corefile said:
Apple completely missed the boat with Messages when they failed to support Android and the PC with it. Now their lunch has been eaten. If Apple open sourced it when Steve said then it would be the number one messaging app. Now it's not even considered.
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Messages doesn’t have to be considered just used. And used it is. Doesn’t have to be number one. Just needs to work - which it does.
 
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On X, the Apple Defense Squad is praising the rumors and Apple’s efforts, but all I see is a desperate attempt to play catch-up. The idea that “Apple is not first, but best” is starting to sound like a weak excuse—be first and best.

Stop linking app updates to OS updates. If you care so much about the App Store, use it, Apple.
 
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klasma said:
I was joking. :)

Multi-user won’t ever be coming, because it would impact device sales, and also create headaches for stuff like notifications. From Apple’s point of view, it would require a very substantial implementation and maintenance effort for little to no benefit.
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I meant *multiple personal spaces*, for a single user. Sometimes the feature is wrongly called "multiple users" but that is a misnomer. The function is meant for one person to have a two separate spaces for *improved* privacy / security.

Limit the feature to 512gb/1TB devices so it's an upsell - everyone wins - apple gets the extra money they want, users get the privacy they want.

As for notifications, I don't see how it would cause any headaches. Each personal space aka “user” functions as its own "device." Notifications would only come via apps installed in that user space. That functionality is *desired*, as having a separate personal space is specifically *to* separate data and notifications from a set of *separate apps and data*.

The only thing that might not be separated could be the official 'apple messages app' and phone app. This could be an option for users - if they want to enable the messages/phone app to work both in default and alt spaces, there can simply be an option in settings for “Turn on phone calls & SMS” with an on/off switch. This way, the person can continue getting important phone calls and text messages from apple messages and phone calls, regardless of which space they’re signed into. Other than that, everything else would be separate, as it should be.

There would be no “substantial implementation and maintenance effort”, because the feature of multiple users on iOS already exists for schools and businesses…it’s simply turned off for consumers. All Apple has to do is flip the switch to allow the feature to function for consumers.

Benefits wise, it would appease a lot of people, as many folks *prefer* to separate data in our lives. A lot of us don’t want to have *everything* connected together in *one profile* and appreciate having a separate space for separate purposes; i.e. “default” for day to day and “alt” for after work / home.

This is *our life*. We should be able to control *our digital footprint*. This ability lends to that ethos. and it lends to Apple's ethos of privacy and security for its users. This helps to strengthen the brand image, and bring *more* users into the ecosystem, generating more revenue, and increased profits.
 
I mean it’s a bit cool but I prefer more features instead of customization and new ui!
 
I am holding out with my judgement until Monday, after the official annoumcements have been made.

I understand that they are under immense pressure to release new features - anything - from investors, the media, fans.

But I think a down year for software would do them much good, across all platforms.
Step back, fix bugs, make software work as intended, fix developer relations.

Meanwhile in the background work full steam ahead on new features that really make a difference.

I am not even sure, if they are that far behind in AI. Sure, I am amazed by what those LLMs can do, but at the same time, I am amazed by what they can‘t. Those companies are not good at what Apple has always excelled in: make for a great user experience.

I don‘t think Apple has to do that many things in AI. Just the right ones that delight and help users and craft a great experience.
 
“Ai”


And using this features will be than the last few posts in the forum (according to forum rules, unless this is updaten than as well after ios26)
 
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