iOS 26 Update Brings Smarter Messages, Custom Alarms and Polls in iMessage

Apple released iOS 26, the newest version of its mobile operating system, delivering a mix of convenience upgrades and security improvements for iPhone users. The update, which Apple says takes just a few minutes to install, emphasizes personalization and practical tools that aim to streamline daily tasks. Users are advised to ensure their devices are charged and connected to Wi‑Fi before starting the upgrade.

Among the headline changes are smarter spam detection in Messages, simplified location sharing, and the ability to review call history by contact. The suite also adds more granular text handling in messages, a configurable alarm snooze, a warning when the camera lens is dirty, estimated charging time on the Lock Screen, and new ways to customize the Clock and Lock Screen appearance. Additionally, iMessage gains a poll feature for quick group decisions.

Messages users will notice smarter spam filtering that moves suspicious texts into a dedicated Unknown Senders folder, reducing clutter in the main inbox. To review messages moved there, open the Messages app, tap the horizontal lines in the upper right, and navigate to Unknown Senders. From there, users can mark messages as known or delete them. The feature is designed to limit lock-screen disruptions while keeping a record of potentially important messages for later review. In addition, iOS 26 extends location sharing capabilities by allowing users to send their location directly from the Maps app icon on the home screen. A tap-and-hold on the Maps icon reveals an option to Send My Location, with choices for sharing via AirDrop or Messages.

To help users keep track of interactions more efficiently, iOS 26 adds the ability to view call history by contact. In the Phone app, a search tool lets users pull up a specific contact and view all related calls in one place, including incoming, outgoing, and missed entries. Separately, the update introduces the option to select specific text within a message. Users can long-press a message, choose Select, adjust the selection handles, and then copy, look up, translate, search the web, or share the highlighted portion.

In another quality-of-life enhancement, iOS 26 provides a way to disable Tap Recents to Call, preventing accidental dialing from the call history. The setting can be found under Settings, then Apps, then Phone, where users can toggle off Tap Recents to Call so a number must be tapped directly on the keypad to initiate a call.

Users who want to tune their mornings can customize alarm snooze durations. In the Clock app, under Alarms, selecting an alarm reveals Snooze Duration, with options ranging from 1 to 15 minutes. This lets users tailor wake-up intervals to their routine, whether a short reset or a longer stretch before starting the day.

The Camera experience also gets a small but practical improvement: Lens Cleaning Hints. In Settings > Camera, users can enable Lens Cleaning Hints, which displays a reminder to clean the camera lens if smudges or haze are detected, helping to avoid blurry shots before snapping a photo.

Another visible tweak is an estimated charging time displayed when a device is plugged in. With a charger connected, the Lock Screen shows an estimated time to full charge. For a longer view, users can open Settings > Battery to see the Estimated Full Charge Time under the charging status, assisting in planning trips or commutes around battery expectations.

The Lock Screen itself gains a customization option: the clock can be made larger. By long-pressing the Lock Screen and choosing Customize, users can adjust the clock size using a bottom-right handle. In some wallpapers, the clock can even display a depth effect, subtly shifting behind foreground subjects. Photo Shuffle wallpapers can cause the clock to adapt dynamically and, in some cases, extend into areas like the Notification Center, refreshing the overall look of the home and lock screens.

Finally, iOS 26 adds the ability to create polls directly in iMessage. In a group chat or an individual thread, users can tap the + button next to the text box and choose Polls. Each participant can enter options, and the team can vote within the chat to guide decisions on matters like where to eat or what movie to watch. The poll feature also supports creating polls for others in iMessage conversations, expanding collaborative options within the messaging app.

Apple also provides a compatibility note for iOS 26 users. The update supports a broad range of devices, including iPhone 11 through the latest iPhone 17 lineup, as well as iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). Compatible models listed by the company cover generations from the iPhone 11 series up to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, including variations across Air, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models.

The upgrade process remains straightforward. To install iOS 26, users should ensure their iPhone is charged and connected to Wi‑Fi, then open Settings, tap General, select Software Update, and choose Upgrade to iOS 26. After entering a passcode and agreeing to terms, the device will download and install the update and subsequently restart.

In sum, iOS 26 emphasizes convenience and personalization alongside security. The updates span daily tasks such as spam management and call history review, to more nuanced pleasures like adjustable clock sizing on the Lock Screen and quicker, in-chat polling. For users seeking a more tailored, hands-on iPhone experience, iOS 26 offers practical tools to streamline communication, scheduling, and device management without sacrificing reliability.