Apple’s latest update, iOS 26, introduces significant changes to the Messages app aimed at enhancing user security against phishing scams. Even the most tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to these sophisticated attacks, which often target those with less technical knowledge. The new features in the Messages app promise to create a safer messaging environment for all users.
The Messages app now categorizes conversations into four distinct groups: Messages, Unknown Senders, Spam, and Recently Deleted. This categorization helps users quickly identify and manage their communications. The ‘Messages’ view includes typical chats with known contacts, verification codes, and reservation confirmations. Crucially, messages from ‘Unknown Senders’ and those identified as ‘Spam’ will not trigger notifications, reducing the likelihood of accidental engagement with potentially harmful content.
Users have control over their messaging experience, as they can separately enable or disable filters for ‘Unknown Senders’ and ‘Spam’ through the ‘Manage Filtering’ option. Within the ‘Unknown Senders’ category, users can choose to “Mark as Known” any conversations from trusted contacts. Additionally, while Apple automatically flags messages from unknown senders as spam, users have the ability to move messages back to the main view and report numbers that are incorrectly categorized.
One of the standout features of iOS 26 is its enhanced measures against phishing attempts. Messages in the ‘Spam’ folder come with two key restrictions: links are disabled, meaning that any phone numbers or external URLs present in the message cannot be tapped. This step significantly reduces the risk of accidentally calling a scam number or visiting a malicious website. Furthermore, users cannot reply to messages in the Spam folder, which minimizes the chance of engaging with scammers.
These precautions, while seemingly minor, contribute to a greater barrier against phishing attempts. The small friction of moving a message from ‘Spam’ back to the main view creates a conscious choice, helping users avoid unintentional interactions with potential threats.
Additional Features in iOS 26 Messages
Beyond phishing prevention, the new Messages app brings an array of features to improve user experience. One notable addition is support for polls, with Apple Intelligence suggesting poll options based on conversation context. This feature aims to facilitate group discussions and decision-making.
Group chats now benefit from typing indicators, allowing participants to see when someone is composing a message. Additionally, users can personalize their chats by setting custom backgrounds, choosing from their photo libraries or generating images using the Image Playground feature.
As Apple continues to prioritize user security while enhancing functionality, these updates in iOS 26 reflect a commitment to keeping users safe in an increasingly digital world. The introduction of these features underscores the importance of awareness and caution in the face of ever-evolving phishing tactics.
