iOS 26 brings a hidden iMessage feature you’ll want to try

Apple has been actively testing iOS 26 through a series of developer and public betas, with the official launch anticipated alongside the iPhone 17 series next month. While features like Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence drew significant attention during the WWDC 2025 presentation, the latest updates reveal even more enhancements, particularly for the Messages app. Among the notable improvements in iOS 26 is the introduction of various filtering options designed to help users manage spam and junk messages more effectively. A standout addition is the new Drafts folder, which can be accessed via a filter button at the top right corner of the Messages interface. This feature categorizes conversations into sections such as Messages, Spam, and Recently Deleted. When users are engaged in a conversation with an unfinished message, the Drafts filter becomes visible, allowing them to easily locate and complete their partial messages. The Messages app now highlights active filters with a distinctive blue tint in the toolbar, ensuring that users are aware they are viewing a curated selection of messages. Tapping the filter button again will restore the full message inbox. Previously, iMessage lacked a dedicated Drafts folder, making it challenging to retrieve partially written messages without scrolling through conversations manually. This update empowers users to pause and reflect on their messages before sending, enhancing the overall messaging experience. This development comes amid Google's efforts to enrich its own messaging platforms, with AI-driven features being integrated into Android’s Messages and Gmail apps. Notably, Google's Messages has long included a draft option, and the recent introduction of a feature allowing users to delete RCS messages from both their own and the recipient's chat reflects the competitive landscape of messaging applications. Stay tuned for more updates on the iPhone 17, including its pricing, features, and release dates for the Pro, Pro Max, and Air models.