WhatsApp introduces the new Liquid Glass design for the first time on iOS

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WhatsApp is apparently testing a new design on iPhones. Some iOS users are reporting that the app has received a redesigned user interface in the so-called Liquid Glass style after the latest update. Meta hasn't officially announced this yet. Nevertheless, initial screenshots show what the new look looks like—and how WhatsApp might look on iOS in the future.

Design changes to WhatsApp are rare and usually rolled out in small steps. This is mainly due to the enormous number of users. Meta is cautious with visual adjustments to identify potential errors early and make the transition as smooth as possible. Now, however, the company appears to have begun to incorporate elements of Apple's current design philosophy into the app. The new user interface is based on Apple's Liquid Glass style, introduced with iOS 26.

New WhatsApp update for iOS

This week, WhatsApp released an update for iOS. Officially, it brings two new features: support for Live Photos and a translation feature for text messages that runs directly on the device. But in addition to these known changes, some users discovered something else. They report that the app suddenly looks different after the update. The most noticeable change concerns the tab bar at the bottom of the screen. It is now semi-transparent and reminiscent of the glass design that Apple uses for many of its system apps. This gives WhatsApp a visually lighter and more modern appearance. Small transitions and reflections also adapt better to the background, creating the typical "liquid glass" effect.

What's behind the Liquid Glass design

Apple's Liquid Glass style is characterized by transparencies, soft light reflections, and subtle depth transitions. The goal is to create an interface that appears clear, calm, and fluid. WhatsApp is apparently adopting this approach to align the app more closely with the look and feel of the operating system. The result is a more modern user interface that remains familiar but has a more visually sophisticated feel.

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Test phase and limited introduction

According to WABetaInfo , the new interface may be a limited test. Meta reportedly already experimented with the Liquid Glass design in the WhatsApp beta version. Now, this feature appears to have also appeared for some users of the public app version. As is typical with WhatsApp, the new design will likely be rolled out gradually. The company rarely rolls out major changes to all users at once. Instead, Meta tests new features in small groups first before rolling them out globally. This allows for bugs to be found and fixed more quickly.

When the new design will be released for everyone

Anyone who hasn't seen the new interface yet will likely have to wait a while. In the official release notes, WhatsApp regularly points out that new features often become available gradually. It may therefore take several days or even weeks until the Liquid Glass design is visible on all iPhones. Given its previous approach, Meta is likely to slowly expand the rollout once it's clear that the integration is stable. Since Apple has further developed its own interface toward a "translucent" and "fluid" feel with iOS 26, WhatsApp's move fits well with the current iPhone design concept.

WhatsApp adapts to the style of iOS

The new Liquid Glass design in WhatsApp demonstrates that Meta is placing greater emphasis on a modern, system-oriented appearance on iOS as well. The update hasn't been officially announced yet, and it's unclear when all users will get access. But the current test phase shows where things are headed. WhatsApp will be visually lighter, smoother, and more harmonious with the iOS interface. For iPhone users, this means a fresh look without changing the familiar interface. WhatsApp remains WhatsApp – just with a design that better matches Apple's visual language. (Image: Shutterstock / DenPhotos)