WhatsApp’s Liquid Glass Interface Expands to Voice Note Player on iOS

WhatsApp is continuing its rollout of the Liquid Glass design for iOS users, with the latest development bringing the translucent interface to the voice note player. This update aims to modernize the user experience and provide a more seamless integration with Apple’s iOS 26 design language.

Liquid Glass Design: A Refresher

Introduced with iOS 26, the Liquid Glass design language emphasizes dynamic transparency, depth effects, and fluid interactions. WhatsApp began implementing this design within its iOS app, and has since extended it to the WhatsApp Business app as reported by WABetaInfo. The interface features frosted, layered glass effects that subtly reflect and refract the background, creating a more modern aesthetic.

Improvements to the Voice Note Player

Currently, when a voice note is playing, WhatsApp displays a green bar at the top of the screen with basic playback controls. Though, this bar doesn’t fully align with the Liquid Glass aesthetic, appearing as a fixed, solid element. The upcoming update will address this by redesigning the playback bar to incorporate the floating, translucent style characteristic of Liquid Glass.

Circular Progress Indicator

The redesigned voice note player will also feature a circular progress indicator, mirroring the shape of the sender’s profile picture. This is a departure from the current horizontal progress bar. The sender’s name will remain displayed alongside their profile picture, and pause/stop controls will be maintained.

Enhanced Functionality: 5-Second Rewind

A key addition to the updated voice note player is the ability to rewind voice messages by 5 seconds with a single tap. This feature will allow users to quickly revisit missed or important sections of a voice note without having to reopen the original chat. Currently, the playback bar only offers a progress indicator without rewind functionality.

Rollout and Availability

The Liquid Glass interface, including the updated voice note player, is still under development and is not yet widely available. WhatsApp is currently testing the new design with a select group of users on both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business. WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp is carefully monitoring performance and refining the interface before a broader release. Users can stay updated on the rollout by following WABetaInfo on X.

Staying Informed

For real-time alerts and updates on new WhatsApp features, users can follow the WABetaInfo channel on WhatsApp.