WhatsApp is getting iOS 26’s Liquid Glass glow-up, and it’s surprisingly gorgeous

WhatsApp is about to look a lot more premium on iPhones

By Vikhyaat Vivek Published May 12, 2026

Whatsapp on iPhone — Dimitri Karastelev / Unsplash

WhatsApp is apparently going to look a lot more at home on the latest version of iOS. A new report has suggested that the chatting app for iPhone is getting a new look inspired by iOS 26‘s UI. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp for iOS version 25.28.75 is rolling out Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language. The update is available through the App Store, though the visual refresh is being enabled gradually.

WhatsApp on iOS is getting more premium

The redesign brings WhatsApp closer to the system-wide visual style introduced with iOS 26. Meaning, iPhone users can expect to see more transparency, depth, layering, and fluid animation across the app. This would make it look more fluid than the flatter interface that people on iOS are used to seeing.

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The most obvious change is to the bottom bar. WABetaInfo report shows a semi-transparent surface that subtly blurs the content behind it, creating a floating effect. Icons also respond with smoother animations when tapped, while the active tab indicator adjusts dynamically to match the selected icon. WhatsApp is bringing this change to both light and dark themes, adjusting transparency and background effects depending on the mode.

What else is changing?

WhatsApp is also adopting the iOS 26 native keyboard style. So users get the translucent and reflective look to the typing experience. The keyboard adapts to the chat background as well. Buttons across the app have been redesigned with semi-translucent surfaces and smoother tap animations. Meanwhile, context menus are getting the same glass-like treatment, with adaptive transparency and a more modern layered appearance.

As of right now, the rollout is still limited, and even users who install the latest update may not see the new design immediately. WhatsApp is enabling the feature on select accounts to monitor its stability and gather feedback before a wider release. The Liquid Glass experience isn’t complete either. The chat bar does not fully support this look yet, and keeps elements of the older flat design.

Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience covering consumer hardware, with a focus on…

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