How to Poll People in Messages on iPhone with iOS 26
Decide faster together. iOS 26 now lets you create interactive polls directly in iMessage so everyone in your chat can vote, suggest ideas, and instantly see results.
By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
October 30, 2025
Here's a Cool Tip: Poll People in the Message App in iOS 26.
Now you can collect votes without juggling texts, spreadsheets, or third-party apps.
The feature is surprisingly powerful, especially for coordinating groups, planning events, or even quick daily decisions.
Feature Explanation
The new Polls feature in iMessage lets you create interactive surveys right inside a chat.
You can suggest up to 12 options, invite others to vote, and watch results appear live.
Anyone in the thread can add their own choices, change votes, or view details showing who voted for what.
This feature integrates seamlessly with Apple’s Messages app and supports iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26.
If someone in the group isn’t on a supported OS, they’ll simply see a message that a poll was sent, maintaining compatibility without breaking the conversation.
What You’ll Gain
- Simplify group decisions
- Encourage participation directly in chat
- Save time choosing restaurants, times, or travel plans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to do it.
Create a Poll
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Enter a conversation (group or individual).
- Tap the Add (+) button, then choose Polls.
- Tap each row to add your options (up to 12).
- Tap Send to share your poll with the group.
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fig. 1 - Poll People in iOS 26 |
Vote in a Poll
- Open the conversation with the poll.
- Tap any option to cast your vote then tap again to remove it.
- You can vote for as many or as few choices as you like.
Add an Option
- Open the poll.
- Tap Add Choice, type your idea, and tap Send.
- Added choices start without votes, so tap again to support your own option.
View Results
- Touch and hold the poll bubble.
- Tap Poll Details to see how people voted and who hasn’t responded.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fast and native: no external app needed.
- Collaborative: everyone can add new ideas.
- Instant feedback: live results in chat.
- Cross-platform within Apple ecosystem.
Cons
- Limited to Apple devices with iOS/iPadOS 26 or later.
- Max of 12 options per poll.
- No anonymity, everyone’s votes are visible.
Configuration Guide
To enable smart suggestions for polls:
- Go to Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri → Apple Intelligence.
- Turn on Apple Intelligence to let your iPhone recommend poll ideas automatically.
- Polls themselves don’t need setup; they appear automatically in your Messages app after updating to iOS 26.
Feature Access
- Available for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26.
- Requires iMessage (not SMS).
- Works in individual and group chats.
- Participants on older systems will receive a text notice that a poll was sent.
- No subscription or Apple ID upgrade required.
Score
Criterion | Score (0–10) | JustificationValue 9Reduces friction in group coordination; replaces multiple apps or text threads.Usability 10Seamless, intuitive integration directly within Messages.Wow Factor 8Smart, subtle enhancement that adds real collaboration power to everyday messaging.Total: 27/30 🌟 Excellent.Highly recommended for immediate use.
Key Takeaways
The new Polls feature in iOS 26 turns iMessage into a decision-making hub.
It’s fast, easy, and perfect for everyday coordination among Apple users, from dinner plans to business projects.
Try It Yourself
Open a group chat and create your first poll today.
Then share how your friends voted!
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