WhatsApp is rolling out a brand-new design update that'll only be available for iPhone users.
That's because the Meta-owned messenger is slowly adopting the new Liquid Glass visual language rolled out by Apple across every device this autumn. One of the standout features of the iOS 26 update now available on iPhone, Liquid Glass uses see-through visual elements that create a sense of depth and ensures your photos, webpages, documents, and videos are always the main focus on-screen.
Apple refreshed all of its apps to support Liquid Glass at launch, but third-party developers have taken a little longer to embrace the new visuals. While some early adopters are all-in with Liquid Glass, others are taking their time.
WhatsApp, which boasts a staggering 3 billion monthly active users, appears to be gearing up to release an update with the new look, which represents a significant departure from the chat app's traditional flat appearance.
WhatsApp is bringing you see-through visual elements that create a sense of depth and modernity, similar to Apple's iOS 26
|WABETAINFO
The new Liquid Glass look was spotted by the eagled-eyed team at WABetaInfo, which combs through early beta versions of the app to find unannounced new features and work-in-progress redesigns, like this one. If you've signed up for the beta releases to help WhatsApp test new updates ahead of the worldwide, it's possible you're already using this new appearance.
You'll immediately notice the difference with the navigation bar, which sits at the bottom of the iPhone app. Previously solid, it now features a semi-transparent surface that creates an elegant floating effect above your conversations. It's also self-contained, with rounded corners that mirror the contours of the rounded display, rather than being a straight line that cuts off the bottom of the app.
When you tap on the navigation bar, the icons respond with fluid animations that feel natural and responsive. The active tab indicator precisely adjusts its width to match each icon, ensuring a polished appearance without any awkward overlaps.
Liquid Glass is the name for the new design language used throughout the new software on iPhone, as well as iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. As the name suggests, the design team at Apple took inspiration from the properties of glass and added fluid animations that react to swipes and taps on-screen | APPLE PRESS OFFICE According to those who have experienced the new design, the transparency effects automatically adapt whether you're using light or dark mode within the app. The background content beneath the bar appears softly blurred, adding visual depth while maintaining readability and preventing distraction from your messages.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Liquid Glass lets the colours and content behind the menus shine through, like a frosted-glass window | APPLE PRESS OFFICE Your keyboard experience transforms dramatically with the new update. You'll find the typing interface now adopts iOS 26's native translucent design, creating subtle depth as keys appear to float above the chat background. The keyboard is slightly taller too.
The buttons throughout WhatsApp have received similar treatment. They have glass-like, reflective surfaces that respond to your touches with smooth animations, creating a cohesive feel across the entire application.
When you press and hold messages, the context menu appears with striking translucent effects. The menu's glass-like appearance reflects the surrounding content while maintaining clarity for quick actions. These transparency effects adapt dynamically, ensuring the options remain easily readable regardless of what's displayed beneath them.
Despite the update being released in an attempt to make the app more compatible with the iOS 26 update, there have been mixed reviews popping up on Reddit. One user was shocked to see this update roll out so soon. "Surprising. They usually take very long to implement new iOS features. I remember when interactive notifications came about, WhatsApp took two years to support them."
Comment
byu/VelhoBit from discussion
inios
Another user seems to want the update to be seen across more social media platforms. "I hope Messenger Facebook, Instagram eventually gest it too, especially YouTube," the user wrote.
Comment
byu/VelhoBit from discussion
inios
However, some users aren't happy with the update. "Jesus it looks so bad," one user wrote.
Comment
byu/VelhoBit from discussion
inios
"WhatsApp is such a trash app..." another said.
Comment
byu/VelhoBit from discussion
inios
Comment
byu/VelhoBit from discussion
inios
The update is currently available through the App Store, but it appears to be rolling out gradually — so don't fret if you haven't seen it pop up on your phone quite yet.