With iOS 26, Apple has introduced a new photo preview option in Messages. The feature sends a smaller-sized preview of an image first, so recipients see it immediately, while the full-resolution version arrives shortly after. If you are on a limited or metered connection, only the compressed preview is sent, preventing large image files from consuming extra data.
How to Enable Photo Previews
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Apps.
- Select Messages.
- Toggle Send Low-Quality Photo Previews on or off.
Once enabled, the process is automatic.
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Using Low Data Mode
For data savings, you can ensure that only previews are sent by enabling Low Data Mode:
- Go to Settings ➝ Cellular ➝ Cellular Data Options ➝ Data Mode, then switch on Low Data Mode.
- For Wi-Fi, open Settings ➝ Wi-Fi, tap the “i” icon next to your network, and enable Low Data Mode.
When both Low Data Mode and low-quality previews are active, photos in Messages may look pixelated. Full-resolution images will only be delivered when Low Data Mode is turned off.