iPhone storage relief: iOS 26.1 lets users delete large Messages attachments without deleting chats
Apple's latest iPhone update adds built-in tools to clear big files from Messages while preserving conversations.
Apple released iOS 26.1 on devices worldwide, adding storage-management tools that let users clear large attachments from Messages without erasing ongoing chats. The update arrives as device owners grapple with full storage warnings and a flood of photos, videos and documents saved in text threads. The update is available through Settings > General > Software Update, and users are encouraged to install the latest version to take advantage of the new safeguards and performance improvements.
Among the most common triggers for low storage is the accumulation of media and documents in Messages. Photos, videos and other files embedded in conversations can quietly consume space, making the overall system slower. The new approach allows users to reclaim gigabytes by targeting individual items or whole groups of attachments while keeping every conversation intact.
To delete a single attachment: Open the Messages app, select the thread that contains the file, tap the contact's name at the top to access the thread details, and choose Photos or Documents. In the item view, long-press the photo, video or document until a menu appears, then tap Delete and confirm. The message thread remains unchanged, and the deleted file frees space immediately.
To remove multiple files at once: Return to the same Photos or Documents tab within the thread, tap Edit, then Select Photos or Select Documents. Tap the items you want to remove so a blue checkmark appears, tap the trash icon in the bottom-right corner, and confirm Delete Photos to complete the action. The process mirrors across iPadOS, with similar steps to keep conversations intact while clearing bulk attachments.
Another option is to review large attachments from the iPhone Storage settings: Open Settings, tap General, choose iPhone Storage, then tap Messages and select Review Large Attachments. From there you can Edit and pick items to delete with a single action. This overview helps users quickly target the biggest files, such as long videos or large documents, without inspecting every message.
Apple also emphasizes that iOS 26.1 includes major security improvements and new features designed to protect data and improve performance on newer iPhone hardware. While the storage-cleanup tools address routine maintenance, users should keep their devices updated to benefit from the broader system protections and optimization features. The company notes that the storage tools are designed to preserve chat history, so users can continue conversations without losing context.
Industry observers say the update reflects a broader shift toward making storage management more accessible to everyday users, particularly as devices collect more media and AI-assisted apps increasingly generate data. By integrating cleanup options into the Messages app and the system settings, Apple aims to reduce user friction and extend device longevity without requiring third-party tools.
Users who have not yet updated should check Settings > General > Software Update to install iOS 26.1. After updating, the new storage options appear in Messages and under iPhone Storage. Additional tips from security-focused outlets suggest regularly reviewing large attachments to prevent sudden storage shortages and to keep a device running smoothly as applications and messaging volumes grow.