WhatsApp is rolling out a major visual overhaul aligned with Apple's new Liquid Glass design language introduced in iOS 26. From a translucent chat bar to a transparent navigation panel, the update is set to transform how the app looks and feels on iPhone.
What Is Liquid Glass and Why Does It Matter for WhatsApp?
Liquid Glass is Apple's newest design system, debuting with iOS 26. It introduces translucent, glass-like UI elements that dynamically reflect and refract content behind them. WhatsApp is now actively testing this design across multiple parts of its interface to stay aligned with Apple's updated visual standards.
Liquid Glass Changes Coming to the Chat Screen
WhatsApp is working on three key Liquid Glass updates for the chat interface:
Translucent Chat Bar
The message input bar at the bottom of every conversation will receive a glass-like, translucent material that shifts based on the content behind it — creating a more immersive and modern look.
Glass-Style Jump Button
The button that lets users quickly scroll to the latest message in a conversation will also be updated with the Liquid Glass style, keeping the experience visually consistent throughout the chat screen.
Transparent Navigation Bar
WhatsApp will make the navigation bar fully transparent within the chat interface, further reinforcing the Liquid Glass aesthetic across the entire screen.
When Will Liquid Glass Reach All WhatsApp Users?
Although Apple now requires apps to be built using the iOS 26 SDK, developers can still opt out of Liquid Glass for individual elements. WhatsApp has been gradually expanding Liquid Glass access to more users, but a full rollout is being held back until every part of the interface — including the chat screen — is fully optimized. Expect a complete release once all components are production-ready.
Other Major WhatsApp Updates Coming Soon
First-Party Encrypted Cloud Backup
WhatsApp is testing its own backup storage system, giving users the option to store chat history directly on WhatsApp's servers instead of Google Drive. All backups stored on WhatsApp servers will be encrypted by default, with support for passkeys, custom passwords, or a 64-digit encryption key. Users may get 2GB of free storage, with a paid tier potentially offering up to 50GB.
Status Updates Now Visible in the Chats Tab
WhatsApp is experimenting with displaying status updates at the top of the Chats tab. Up to 3 recent contacts who have posted a status will appear in the top bar, allowing users to view updates without switching to the Updates tab. At this stage, no ads are shown between statuses in this new tray.
Channels Coming to the Chat List
WhatsApp is also testing a feature that brings followed channels directly into the Chats tab under a separate list, keeping them distinct from personal chats and groups. This change, combined with the status tray experiment, suggests WhatsApp may eventually replace or repurpose the current Updates tab.
Reshared Status Warning Label
To combat misinformation, WhatsApp is introducing a "Reshared many times" label on status updates that have been widely reposted. This label will appear at the top of the status screen, giving users context about whether the content originated from a single source or spread through multiple reposts.
Android 5.0 and 5.1 Support Ending
WhatsApp will officially drop support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 on September 8, 2026. Users on these older versions will need to back up their chat history via Google Drive before the deadline to avoid losing their conversations.
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