WhatsApp is testing a new Liquid Glass design for its iOS app, introducing a translucent, floating message bar in beta versions.
WhatsApp has begun rolling out a redesigned chat interface for iOS users, featuring a translucent, floating message composition bar as part of its Liquid Glass design language, according to WABetaInfo. The update, available in the iOS 26.25.10.16 beta through TestFlight, marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing visual overhaul of its messaging platform.
What is the Liquid Glass design, and how does it appear in WhatsApp?
The Liquid Glass design, previously applied to WhatsApp’s chat list and update sections, now extends to the message input bar. Instead of a solid, fixed element at the bottom of the screen, the bar appears as a semi-transparent, floating component that blends with the background. This effect, described by testers as creating “a sense of depth,” allows partial visibility of underlying content, aligning with Apple’s design principles for iOS 26.
WABetaInfo notes that the redesign also affects the “Recent Chats” button and navigation bar, which now feature translucent elements. These changes aim to unify WhatsApp’s interface under a cohesive visual identity while enhancing usability through subtle layering effects.
How does this update align with iOS 26’s design trends?
The Liquid Glass aesthetic mirrors iOS 26’s emphasis on transparency and dynamic depth. By adopting similar visual cues, WhatsApp ensures its app feels more integrated with the operating system. This approach follows a pattern seen in other major apps, such as Instagram and TikTok, which have similarly adapted to Apple’s design guidelines to improve user experience consistency.
According to a source familiar with the update, the changes are “not just cosmetic” but part of a broader effort to make interactions feel “more fluid and intuitive.” However, the full rollout remains limited to beta testers, with no official timeline for a public release.
Why is this update significant for WhatsApp users?
The redesign reflects WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its interface while maintaining core functionality. Users who have tested the beta report that the new layout “feels more polished” but note that the translucent elements may reduce contrast in low-light conditions. Adjustments to text readability and touch targets are expected before the update reaches general availability.
This move also positions WhatsApp to compete with newer messaging apps that prioritize visual innovation. By aligning with iOS 26’s design language, the company reinforces its status as a leading platform while addressing user demand for aesthetically refined digital tools.
What’s next for WhatsApp’s design evolution?
While the Liquid Glass update focuses on the chat interface, analysts speculate that future iterations may expand the design to other sections, such as settings and media previews. WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp is also testing a green “online” indicator for contacts, suggesting a broader push to enhance real-time interaction features.
As with all beta updates, users are advised to report bugs and provide feedback through Apple’s TestFlight program. The final version of the redesign will likely incorporate user input before a full release, ensuring a balance between innovation and usability.