{
  "id": 2131317,
  "title": "Yes, you can change your Messages backgrounds on iPhone - but there's a catch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/yes-you-can-change-your-messages-backgrounds-on-iphone-but-theres-a",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-20T11:50:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ZDNet",
    "slug": "zdnet",
    "url": "https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-change-your-text-background-on-iphone/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Yes, you can customize the background of your Messages app on iOS 26, but there's a catch. This feature allows you to set a background for individual text threads or group chats, either using preset options from Apple or a photo from your camera roll. However, when you change the background, all other members of the chat will see it as well. This is similar to changing the name of a group chat, as it applies to all members. While this feature can help you avoid sending messages to the wrong person, it's important to consider that the chosen background becomes visible to everyone in the chat, so choose wisely.",
  "summary": "Android has had the advantage when it comes to changing your message wallpaper - but there is an easy way to do it in iOS 26, too, as long as you don't mind one thing.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}