With the release of iOS 26, Apple has added a long-requested feature to the Messages app—polls! Now available in the developer beta announced at WWDC 2025, this feature allows users to create, share, and vote on polls within group chats, making it easier to plan, decide, and engage.
Why Polls in iOS 26 Are a Big Deal
Apple’s addition of polls in Messages might seem small, but it fills a major gap in iOS communication tools. Until now, users had to rely on third-party apps or workaround solutions to get input from friends or coworkers. With iOS 26, it’s built in—no extra apps needed.
How Polls Work in iOS 26 Messages
- Creating a Poll: Tap the “+” button in a group chat and select “Poll.”
- Customize: Add a question and multiple answer choices.
- Vote Tracking: All members can vote, and responses are shown in real-time.
- Notifications: Users get notified when they’re tagged to vote.
- Results: Automatically tally votes with visual charts.
Apple’s design ensures polls are sleek, simple, and integrated with the same Liquid Glass aesthetic introduced across iOS 26.
7 Reasons Why Polls in iOS 26 Make Group Chats Better
1. No More Endless Debates
Cut down on chat clutter with structured voting instead of long opinion threads.
2. Built-In Convenience
No more switching apps or creating external surveys.
3. Great for Friends and Teams
Plan movie nights, group dinners, or meetings in seconds.
4. Works Seamlessly with Apple Ecosystem
Syncs across iPhone, iPad, and Mac in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Sequoia.
5. Private and Secure
End-to-end encrypted like the rest of iMessage features.
6. Optional Anonymous Voting
Creators can toggle visibility of who voted.
7. Live Updates
See results as votes come in—no need to refresh.
Apple’s Bigger Messaging Strategy
Adding polls is part of Apple’s push to make Messages more interactive and useful, especially for group chats. Alongside polls, iOS 26 includes:
- Typing indicators for groups
- Custom group chat themes and backgrounds
- AI-generated message suggestions
- Real-time translation support inside chats
These features collectively aim to compete with platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord, which already offer similar group tools.
Availability and Requirements
- Polls in Messages are available in the developer beta of iOS 26 (as of June 2025).
- A public beta is expected in July 2025, with full release in fall 2025.
- Supported on iPhone 11 and newer models.
Summary
The new polls in iOS 26 Messages feature brings structure and simplicity to group decisions, a long-missing function that now makes Apple’s messaging app more complete and competitive.
