Apple Messages is Finally Getting a Feature It’s Needed for Years in iOS 26

Apple Messages is finally getting a feature it’s needed for years in iOS 26 — and it’s one that will save you time and frustration. For the first time, iPhone users will be able to easily find unfinished texts with a dedicated drafts folder. That’s not all: Apple is also working on a huge security upgrade with end-to-end encryption for RCS.

Drafts in Apple Messages: Long Overdue

How many times have you started typing a message, only to abandon it and forget the conversation later? In iOS 26, Apple is solving this long-standing annoyance. Messages will now include a Drafts filter, letting you quickly find incomplete texts without digging through endless chat threads.

Here’s how it works: open the Messages app, tap the hamburger menu in the top-right corner, and select Drafts under the “Filter By” option. Your inbox will instantly show only unfinished messages, making them easier than ever to pick up where you left off.

Apple Boosts Security with RCS Encryption

Alongside the new drafts folder, leaked code suggests that Apple Messages in iOS 26 will support end-to-end encryption for RCS. This means richer, more secure texting across Android and iPhone, addressing one of the biggest criticisms of Apple’s messaging ecosystem.

For users, this is a big deal. Not only will your cross-platform texts be safer, but they’ll also finally include modern messaging features like read receipts, higher-quality media sharing, and better group chats.

Why This Update Matters

Apple has long lagged behind when it comes to certain core messaging features. While competitors like WhatsApp and Telegram have supported drafts and robust encryption for years, Apple has been slow to adapt. With iOS 26, that’s changing.

These improvements make Messages more reliable, secure, and user-friendly — something iPhone owners have been asking for over a decade. It’s a reminder that even the smallest quality-of-life updates can have a huge impact on how people use their phones every day.