WhatsApp Enhances iOS Experience with Liquid Glass Design and Voice Message Player Update
WhatsApp is rolling out its Liquid Glass design to iOS users, bringing a more modern and immersive interface. The update, initially introduced in October, continues to be refined with a particular focus on the voice message player, aiming for a seamless integration with iOS 26.
Liquid Glass Redesign: A Modern Interface for iOS
The Liquid Glass redesign introduces translucent layers, depth effects, and a refined modern interface to the WhatsApp iOS app. This visual overhaul enhances the app’s depth and cohesion, providing a more polished and immersive user experience while maintaining clarity, and usability. WABetaInfo first reported on the broader rollout of this design in late 2025.
Revamped Voice Message Player
The latest beta build of WhatsApp for iOS includes references to a revamped voice notes player featuring Liquid Glass elements. This update aims to create a floating, translucent style that seamlessly integrates with the modern design, ensuring users can listen to voice messages without visual disruption. The revamped playback bar is designed to be clearer and more consistent with the overall updated aesthetic.
Currently, when a voice note is playing and the user navigates away from the chat, a banner appears at the top of the interface displaying basic controls – a progress bar, play/pause button, and a cancel playback button. The latest TestFlight build of WhatsApp includes references to an updated playback bar with Liquid Glass elements, as seen in images shared by 9to5Mac.
Ongoing Development and iOS 26 Compatibility
While the Liquid Glass redesign was initially rolled out to a limited number of users, WhatsApp continues to refine the app to ensure it feels native to iOS 26. iGeeksBlog notes that updates as early as version 25.24.10.70 were tagged as compatible with iOS 26, laying the groundwork for the full rollout. The feature is currently under development and not yet available to all beta testers, but signals Meta’s commitment to enhancing the user experience.
Looking Ahead
WhatsApp’s continued development of the Liquid Glass design demonstrates a commitment to providing a modern and visually appealing experience for its iOS users. As the rollout progresses, users can expect a more cohesive and immersive interface that aligns with the latest design principles of iOS 26.