iOS 26 iMessage Backgrounds Duplication across contacts

Is there a way to set a contact’s iMessage background and it not show up on that contact’s iMessage. Example, I want a photo of my son as the background on messages to him but he wants a different picture. Currently, whatever I pick shows on his phone and if he changes it I see what he changed it to.


Running iOS 26.

iPhone 16 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Sep 17, 2025 1:37 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 27, 2025 7:34 AM

Nope. iMessage chat backgrounds sync between users. So you’ll both see the same background. Maybe in a later update to iOS 26 or maybe not until iOS 27.

1 reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iOS 26 iMessage Backgrounds Duplication across contacts

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.