WhatsApp Tests New Liquid Glass Interface for iPhone Users
WhatsApp is testing a new Liquid Glass interface for iOS users, marking a major step toward a more refined and modern design. The upcoming update, designed around Apple’s iOS 26 framework, emphasizes transparency, depth, and smooth motion for a visually cohesive user experience. By using Apple’s latest SDK, WhatsApp integrates dynamic depth, translucency, and fluid animations that align closely with the updated system aesthetics.
Currently, the design is available only to a small group of beta users running version 25.28.75 on iOS. This limited rollout allows developers to gather feedback and ensure the new interface performs well before a wider release. As a result, WhatsApp appears to be preparing its most significant visual overhaul in years.
Visual Enhancements and Dynamic Effects
The Liquid Glass update introduces soft transparency and layered depth that make each element feel lighter and more dimensional. Components such as the tab bar now appear to float above the content, offering a smoother and more natural visual hierarchy. In addition, the interface dynamically adjusts its transparency based on background colors, creating a vivid and balanced layering effect.
The redesigned tab bar features a semi-translucent surface that blurs the background content, providing a subtle transition between chats and navigation areas. Icons now respond with fluid animations when tapped, improving both interactivity and polish. Moreover, the active tab indicator automatically aligns with each icon’s width, ensuring precision and consistency. The design also adapts seamlessly between light and dark modes, maintaining clarity under different lighting conditions.
The keyboard and buttons have been refined to match the new Liquid Glass aesthetic. The keyboard adopts iOS 26’s translucent layout, blending softly with the background. Buttons share this theme with smooth, fluid tap animations that enhance tactile feedback. Together, these updates deliver a unified design language across the entire interface.
Cohesive Design and User Experience
The context menu now mirrors the glass-like, reflective visuals of the overall theme. Through adaptive transparency and smooth transitions, the interface feels more responsive and integrated. Each element reacts naturally to user input, reducing visual clutter while maintaining a sleek appearance.
Overall, the Liquid Glass interface represents a shift toward greater visual harmony on iOS. Every transition, blur, and animation contributes to a smoother user journey. Although still in testing, this design evolution indicates WhatsApp’s intention to stay aligned with Apple’s design philosophy while offering a cleaner, more immersive messaging experience.
