Apple wants to make using the Messages app much safer in iOS 26, and to achieve this, it is reorganizing everything. Starting with this version, messages are grouped into separate tabs: Messages, Unknown Senders, Spam, and Recently Deleted. This allows users to have better control over what they receive, more clearly filtering what comes from numbers not in your contacts list.

A key advantage of this division is that messages classified as spam or unknown senders don't generate notifications, so you're much less likely to end up opening something by mistake. This is especially useful for avoiding traps like phishing, where attackers pose as banks, services, or even friends.

The "Spam" tab acts as a kind of automated trash bin, where the most suspicious messages are grouped together. Meanwhile, "Unknown Senders" includes messages from unsaved numbers, but which aren't necessarily considered dangerous. This separation allows you to more calmly and judiciously review what arrives without being bombarded by alerts that only generate noise.

Blocked Links and Replies: Less Chances of Falling into Traps

The other big change in Messages is how iOS 26 handles suspicious links. If you receive a message that the system classifies as spam or risky, the links appear disabled. You can no longer tap them to open them directly, which is an effective measure to prevent you from accidentally or out of curiosity landing on a fraudulent site.

But Apple didn't stop there. The option to reply to messages marked as suspicious is also blocked. So, even if a user doesn't identify the threat, the system prevents you from interacting with scammers. This double blocking (links and responses) is key to reducing the chances of falling victim to digital fraud. This improvement is especially relevant in a context where SMS and messaging phishing is on the rise. Many people, Especially those less familiar with technology, fall for it because the messages often appear legitimate. With these new features, the system does the work of stopping the danger before you have to analyze it.

Plus, Apple doesn't just use fixed rules to detect spam: it combines algorithms with user reports, making detection increasingly accurate. If something looks too similar to previous scam campaigns, there's a good chance the system will catch it and block it before you even see it.

Other new features coming with Messages in iOS 26

It's not all about security. Apple has also taken the opportunity to add new features that make Messages more useful and fun. One of the most striking features is the ability to create polls directly from a group conversation. You don't need any external apps or to leave the chat: just select "Create Poll," and that's it.

These polls can even be suggested by Apple Intelligence based on the content of the chat. For example, if you're talking with your friends about going out to eat, the system might suggest launching a poll with restaurant options or times.

A typing indicator has also been added to group chats. Until now, you only knew who was typing in a one-on-one conversation, but this wasn't possible in groups. With iOS 26, you'll be able to see if someone is typing something in a group, improving the flow of conversations and avoiding confusion.

And finally, a feature that is sure to be popular: custom chat backgrounds. You can now change the background of your conversations with images, photos, or even AI-generated backgrounds using the Image Playground app. This brings iMessage a little closer to what you can already do in apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.

With all these changes, Apple is making it clear that iOS 26 aims to make the Messages app a more protected, modern, and customizable space. The separation of categories, the blocking of dangerous links, and restricted replies mark a big step in terms of security. But at the same time, the new social and visual features give the experience a fresh look.

So if you tend to get a lot of weird messages or just want more control over what comes to your iPhone, updating to iOS 26 will be a great help.