One Cool Tip Newsletter

November 20, 2025

Your daily dose of tech-savvy brilliance!

😀Greetings! Happy Apple Tech Thursday, Cool Tipper!


Get ready to streamline your digital life with simple, actionable tips delivered straight to your inbox.


Cool Tip Theme: iPhone iOS 26 Message Backgrounds



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  • Apple just dropped its Top Podcasts of 2025 and the lineup is packed with true crime, celebrity interviews, and cultural deep dives.



  • Illinois residents can now add their state-issued driver’s license or ID to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch.


  • Where it works: TSA checkpoints at O’Hare and Midway airports.
  • How to add: Open the Wallet app, tap the “+” icon, select “ID,” and follow the prompts to scan your license and verify with Face ID.
  • Privacy: You control what info is shared, no need to hand over your phone.
  • This feature requires iOS 15.4 or later and is part of Apple’s expanding support for mobile IDs. 


  • Apple's new $230 'iPhone Pocket' sold out within hours. Enough said.

Check out these Cool Tips & Tricks for iPhone:


  • Quick Styles: Send messages with new text effects. To use: Tap the blue send icon, then choose the effect.


  • Mail Undo: Cancel a send shortly after sending. To use: Tap Undo Send at the top of Mail. But be quick!


  • Smart Albums: Auto organize photos by topic. To use: Open Photos and select Collections.


  • Focus: Create Focus. To use: Settings, Focus, Tap +.


Cool Deals

Help support One Cool Tip. Use this Amazon link when you shop online.


Look at these Cool Products:


  • Apple AirTag. Keep Track of and find Your Keys, Wallet, Luggage, Backpack, and More. Simple one-tap Set up with iPhone or iPad Save 38% Was $29. Now $17.97. Check it out on Amazon!


  • Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds. Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant. Save 9% Was $129. Now $117Check it out on Amazon!


  • Apple Watch Series 11 Smartwatch. Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band, Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant Save 12% Was $399 Now $349.99 Check it out on Amazon!


*prices accurate when originally published.

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Today's Cool Tip

How to Add Backgrounds in Messages on iPhone


Apple now lets you place colorful or themed backgrounds behind entire conversation threads in iOS. It is a simple way to highlight a point, add energy to a conversation, or help readers follow key updates.


Every group chat eventually reaches that moment when the important information disappears into the noise. 


Apple introduced a subtle but useful Messages upgrade that solves this problem by letting you add backgrounds behind your messages. 


It feels like a small tweak, yet it changes readability and adds style in a way that standard text bubbles never could.


Feature Explanation


Custom backgrounds in Messages is a simple but impactful personalization tool. 


It allows you to set a unique image, photo, or color as the wallpaper for a specific iMessage thread. 


Instead of the system-wide light or dark mode background, this feature layers a custom background behind the message bubbles and conversation history for just that one person or group chat.


What You’ll Gain


  • Highlight important updates for family or teams.
  • Make conversations easier to scan.
  • Add personality to personal chats.
  • Improve clarity for readers with visual preferences.


Step-by-Step Instructions


iOS


  1. Launch the Messages app and tap on the conversation thread you wish to customize.
  2. Tap the contact’s name or photo at the very top of the screen.
  3. In the detail menu that appears, tap Background to see your customization options.
  4.  You will have options to choose from your existing Photos, a static Color, or a selection of pre-made Apple Collections.
  5. Select and Adjust:
  • Browse your Camera Roll, select the image, and use the pinch and drag gestures to zoom and position it. Tap Done.
  • Scroll through the palette and tap a color swatch. You can also tap the color picker icon for a wider spectrum of shades.
  • A preview of the background will appear. Note the Message Appearance toggle, which lets you switch between the background filling the entire screen or just a narrow strip above the keyboard. Tap Done to save the background for that conversation. 


fig. 1 - Select Background in iOS 26 Messages App

Pros and Cons


Pros


  • Improves readability of important notes.
  • Adds creativity to personal threads.
  • Quick to apply and easy to change.


Cons


  • Limited to Apple platforms.
  • Older devices may not display backgrounds correctly.
  • Not suited for formal business messaging.


Configuration Guide


The background is applied per conversation. 


There is no global toggle. 


If you want to remove a custom background, return to the Background menu in the conversation details and select None.


Feature Access


Platform: iPhone running iOS 18 or later.


Rollout: Available to all users according to Apple Support (accessed November 2025).


Requirements: Messages app with Apple ID enabled.


Region: No region limits documented.


Score

Criterion | Score (0–10) | Justification
Value 7
Improves clarity and adds visual appeal, but optional and mostly cosmetic.
Usability 9
Very simple to apply with a tap and easy to reverse.
Wow Factor 7
Fun for personal chats and visually helpful, though not groundbreaking.
Total: 23/30 👍 Good
A lightweight upgrade that improves readability and adds fun without altering core messaging behavior.


Key Takeaways


Message backgrounds give your texts visual structure, personality, and readability. 


They help you call attention to the right message at the right time. 


This small addition makes the Messages experience feel more modern.


Cool Tip Snapshot


  • Feature Name: Message Backgrounds
  • Platform(s): iOS
  • Quick Benefit: Apply a shared wallpaper to a conversation thread for organization and personality.
  • Access Type: Free


Try It Yourself


Try adding a background to the next message you send. 


Pick a style that fits the moment and see how it changes the feel of the conversation. 


If you like the feature, pass the article to your team, family, and friends.



Read the Full Cool Tip HERE.

ICYMI - In Case You Missed It ...

How to Use Tabs in Google Docs


Use document tabs to transform a lengthy Google Doc into a multi-section workbook. Jump between parts, share specific sections, and stay organized like never before.


Read the Full Cool Tip.

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See You Tomorrow

Tomorrow's Cool Tip is waiting to amaze you.


Until then, go forth and conquer the tech world with your newfound knowledge!


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Enjoy!




Rodger

Chief Cool Tipper

onecooltip.com@gmail.com

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