WhatsApp is testing a new design for voice messages

WhatsApp is currently developing a redesigned user interface for its voice message player. This is based on the so-called "Liquid Glass" design, which is inspired by Apple's modern design language. Evidence of this was discovered in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iOS. The changes primarily affect the display and operation of voice messages and could significantly streamline the user experience.

It was first reported in October that WhatsApp was experimenting with a new interface based on the "Liquid Glass" design. At the time, it seemed as if the rollout had already begun. In practice, however, it turned out that these changes were only available to a very small group of users. The majority continue to use the existing interface without this design change.

Despite its limited reach, WhatsApp has not stopped development. Instead, the company continues to work on refining the design and better aligning it with future iOS versions, especially iOS 26.

New beta provides hints of a revised player

The latest WhatsApp beta for iOS contains concrete evidence of a new version of the voice message player. This information was discovered by WABetaInfo. The focus is on a redesigned playback bar, visually adapted to the "Liquid Glass" design.

The new design features a floating and translucent style. This allows the player to blend more seamlessly into the rest of the user interface and appear less like a separate element. The goal is seamless integration, ensuring that voice messages can still be played without visual interruptions.

Current state of the playback interface

Currently, the voice message player in WhatsApp works relatively simply. When a voice message is played and the chat is closed, a banner appears at the top of the app. This banner contains the most important controls:

a progress indicator
a play/pause button
an option to stop playback

This solution is functional, but compared to modern UI concepts it appears rather simple and not fully integrated into the rest of the design.

Planned changes through "Liquid Glass"

The new interface aims to significantly change that. The redesigned playback bar will:

be designed to be more transparent
to convey a floating impression
to blend in better visually with the overall design
It should be structured more clearly and concisely.

These adjustments create a more consistent appearance within the app. At the same time, the user interface should be more intuitive without introducing additional complexity.

Function still under development

It's important to note that the new playback bar is not yet actively usable. Even beta testers currently lack access to this feature. This information comes from an analysis of the TestFlight version and simply indicates that WhatsApp is working on this change.

It is therefore still unclear exactly when the new interface will be released. Likewise, there is no confirmation whether it will be available to all users immediately or rolled out gradually.

Focus on optimization before wider release

Current developments suggest that WhatsApp is proceeding cautiously. Instead of quickly rolling out the "Liquid Glass" design, it will first undergo further optimization. The goal is to deliver a stable and visually consistent solution that integrates seamlessly into the app.

At the same time, WhatsApp is adapting its interface more closely to Apple's design guidelines. Especially with regard to upcoming iOS versions, the app is intended to appear more modern and integrated with the system.

WhatsApp continues to push forward with its "Liquid Glass" redesign

The evidence from the current beta clearly shows that WhatsApp is continuing to work on a comprehensive design overhaul. The new voice message player is another building block in the "Liquid Glass" concept. Even though the feature isn't available yet, it's already evident that WhatsApp is aiming for a more modern and unified design in the long term. (Image: Shutterstock / Tatiana Diuvbanova)