WhatsApp is receiving a stunning Liquid Glass makeover in iOS 26, and it looks unexpectedly beautiful.
WhatsApp is set to have a more premium appearance on iPhones.
A recent report indicates that the messaging app for iPhone is adopting a new design influenced by the user interface of iOS 26. According to WABetaInfo, the iOS version 25.28.75 of WhatsApp is introducing Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language. The update is available via the App Store, but the visual overhaul is being rolled out gradually.
WhatsApp on iOS is looking more upscale
WABetaInfo
The redesign aligns WhatsApp more closely with the visual style introduced in iOS 26. This means that iPhone users can anticipate enhanced transparency, depth, layering, and smooth animations throughout the app, giving it a more dynamic feel compared to the flatter interface typically seen on iOS.
The most noticeable alteration is in the bottom bar. WABetaInfo's report showcases a semi-transparent surface that subtly distorts the background content, creating a floating effect. Icons will also feature smoother animations when pressed, while the active tab indicator dynamically adjusts to correspond with the selected icon. This change is being implemented for both light and dark themes, with transparency and background effects tailored to each mode.
What other changes are occurring?
Liquid Glass Toggle on iOS 26.1 Beta 4 Apple
WhatsApp is also incorporating the native keyboard style from iOS 26. Thus, users will enjoy a translucent, reflective typing experience. The keyboard adapts according to the chat background. Buttons throughout the app have been revamped with semi-transparent surfaces and more fluid tap animations. Additionally, context menus now feature a glass-like aesthetic, with adjustable transparency and a more contemporary layered look.
At present, the rollout remains limited, and even users who have the latest update might not see the new design right away. WhatsApp is activating this feature on select accounts to test its stability and collect feedback before a broader launch. However, the Liquid Glass experience is not fully realized yet; the chat bar does not completely embrace this design and retains some elements of the previous flat style.
Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience focusing on consumer hardware.
WhatsApp Plus has arrived, and it’s okay to disregard this subscription.
WhatsApp seeks a monthly fee for features that other apps provide as standard, which is an issue Meta cannot cover with custom icons.
For over a decade, WhatsApp has staunchly maintained its position as a free, straightforward messaging platform, but the introduction of a new subscription tier is complicating matters. Meta is launching WhatsApp Plus, a paid subscription option, to a limited number of iPhone users via the latest App Store update.
Read more
TikTok is going ad-free for a monthly fee, of course.
TikTok is charging UK users £3.99 monthly to eliminate ads.
TikTok has officially established a price for ad-free browsing. The platform has announced TikTok Ad-Free, a paid subscription for UK users that removes ads from their feeds for £3.99 per month, roughly $5.40. Beginning this week, TikTok will start informing eligible users about this option through pop-up notifications, with broader rollout planned over the coming months for users aged 18 and over.
Read more
Research indicates social media friends may not alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Me and my Discord buddies feel attacked.
Although social media is intended to connect people, a new study suggests it doesn’t necessarily surround individuals with those they care about or significantly reduce loneliness. Researchers at Oregon State University analyzed over 1,500 US adults aged 30 to 70, examining how various types of social media connections relate to feelings of loneliness. The findings indicate that interactions with unknown individuals online may exacerbate feelings of isolation.
Read more
Other articles
Huawei is said to be experimenting with new technology for its largest phone battery to date.
A recent leak suggests that Huawei is testing new battery materials and designs that may allow smartphone capacity to exceed 10,000mAh.
The release date for season 3 of The Rings of Power has been announced, and the One Ring will be making its appearance sooner than anticipated.
Prime Video has announced the release date for season 3 of Rings of Power, featuring new cast members and the introduction of the One Ring into the narrative.
GameStop's $56 billion offer is rejected by eBay.
eBay's board has dismissed GameStop's $56 billion acquisition proposal, stating it is neither credible nor appealing, pointing to uncertainties in financing and leverage issues.
Google has significantly improved Gemini for Home, enhancing its ability to manage your smart home.
Google has released a new update for Gemini in Home, featuring enhanced camera search capabilities, quicker device controls, improved onboarding, and various upgrades to the Google Home app.
Asus ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition review: The sole laptop that has managed to entice me away from Apple.
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip and an impressive 128GB of RAM, the Asus ProArt PX13 GoPro Edition PX13 aims to be the ideal companion for creators — albeit at a premium price!
Signal Messenger aims to safeguard you against phishing through these new changes within the app.
Signal has introduced new safety features within the app to assist users in identifying and steering clear of phishing and social engineering attacks, including individuals pretending to be Signal.
WhatsApp is receiving a stunning Liquid Glass makeover in iOS 26, and it looks unexpectedly beautiful.
WhatsApp is implementing its iOS 26 Liquid Glass redesign for select users, introducing see-through tabs, revamped buttons, enhanced animations, and redesigned menus.