iOS 26 Drafts Filter in Messages: Never Lose Unsent Texts

Apple’s iOS 26 gives the Messages app a fresh look and smarter filters to help you stay on top of your conversations. While most filters target spam and junk, one feature stands out for daily use – the Drafts filter, designed to track conversations with unfinished messages so nothing slips through the cracks.

Here’s everything you need to know about how the Drafts filter works, how to use it, and why it’s one of the most underrated features in iOS 26.

What Is the Drafts Filter in iOS 26 Messages?

The Drafts filter in iOS 26 automatically collects any chat where you typed a message but didn’t hit send. Instead of letting those half-written replies get buried in your inbox, the filter gathers them in one place for quick access.

Apple made the filter menu context-aware, meaning it only shows relevant options. So, the Drafts filter will only appear when you actually have an unsent message saved in a conversation.

How to Create a Draft Message in iOS 26

Drafting a message in iOS 26 works just like saving an email draft. Anytime you exit a chat without sending your typed message, it’s saved automatically. Here’s how:

1. Open the Messages app and select a conversation.
2. Type your message in the text box.
3. Instead of sending it, just exit the thread.
4. The unfinished message is saved as a draft.
   

Tip: Drafts aren’t limited to text. You can also leave images, stickers, or even audio notes unsent, and they’ll still appear in your Drafts filter.

How to Access the Drafts Filter on iPhone

To quickly see which conversations have drafts waiting:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap the Filter button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Drafts from the menu.
   
4. Only chats with unsent messages will appear.
5. Tap any conversation to finish or edit your draft.
   

If no drafts exist, the filter won’t show up at all – another example of Apple’s context-aware design. When active, the filter button turns blue so you know you’re viewing filtered results.

Why the Drafts Filter Is So Useful

The Drafts filter may sound small, but it’s a game-changer for productivity and communication. It helps when:

• You’re multitasking between multiple conversations.
• You get interrupted while replying.
• You draft a message to send later after reviewing.

With all unfinished messages in one place, you’ll never forget to hit send again.

Other New Messaging Features in iOS 26

Apple didn’t stop at Drafts; iOS 26 makes the Messages app more powerful and organized than ever. Some highlights include:

• Typing indicators, polls, and Apple Cash integration in group chats.
• Apple Intelligence-powered Live Translation for real-time text and audio.
• Chat backgrounds to personalize individual conversations.
• Smarter spam and junk filters to keep your inbox clean.
• End-to-end encrypted RCS messages for Android-to-iPhone chats.
• Recently Deleted section for recovering lost conversations.
• Context-aware filters like Unread and Send Later.

Stay on Top of Your Drafts

The Drafts filter might not grab headlines, but it’s one of those small features that make a big difference. With iOS 26, you can quickly revisit half-written thoughts, finish them when you’re ready, and ensure important replies don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Before logging off for the day, open the Drafts filter and double-check that you might find a message that needs sending.

What’s your favorite new feature in iOS 26 Messages? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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