iOS 26 will bring the long-awaited drafts feature to iMessage

iOS 26 promises to be a major update alongside the release of the iPhone 17 next month. As well as a major redesign, the system will get a host of small improvements. One of the most useful will be the introduction of a separate “Drafts” folder in iMessage.

Some of the most useful will be the introduction of a separate “Drafts” folder in iMessage.

This tab will only show messages that you’ve started but haven’t sent. This will make it easier for those who prefer to think carefully before sending.

Drafts are accessed through a new filter in the top-right corner of the screen. From the menu, you can switch between Messages, Spam, Recently Deleted, and more. If you have messages scheduled via Send Later, the “Pending” filter will appear. Unread messages have a separate “Unread” filter, which disappears once all conversations have been viewed.

The draft filter works the same way: a message that has been started but not completed is automatically saved, and can then be retrieved via the appropriate option.

The active filter is highlighted in blue to remind the user that only a portion of messages are displayed. You can return to the full chat list with a tap.

Active filter is highlighted in blue to remind the user that only a portion of the messages are displayed.

The feature, long present in messengers like Signal, is finally coming to iMessage. iOS 26 is currently in beta testing, and the update is scheduled for release for supported iPhones next month.