News in Short

• WhatsApp is testing Apple-inspired Liquid Glass visuals on iPhones running iOS 26.
• The update introduces transparent navigation bars, floating effects, adaptive menus, and smoother animations.
• WhatsApp is also redesigning buttons and keyboard interactions to better match Apple’s latest software language.
• The rollout remains limited for now as Meta tests stability before a wider release.

WhatsApp Liquid Glass is now rolling out to select iPhone users as Meta begins testing a major visual redesign inspired by Apple’s iOS 26 interface. The update introduces transparent layers, floating navigation elements, smoother animations, and a more reflective keyboard style inside WhatsApp for iOS.

The redesign was spotted in WhatsApp for iOS version 25.28.75. According to reports, the update is currently rolling out gradually through the App Store. However, not every user installing the latest version will immediately see the refreshed design.

What Is the WhatsApp Liquid Glass Update?

The WhatsApp Liquid Glass redesign is a visual refresh that aligns the messaging app with Apple’s new iOS 26 interface language. Apple recently introduced “Liquid Glass” as part of its broader software redesign across iPhone experiences. The design focuses on layered transparency, reflective surfaces, fluid movement, and depth effects.

Now, WhatsApp appears to be one of the first major third-party apps adopting that aesthetic.

The update changes how different elements inside the app look and react. Instead of flat surfaces and static transitions, users now see semi-transparent panels, blurred backgrounds, and animated interactions that feel more connected to the operating system itself.

Reports suggest the update is available in WhatsApp for iOS version 25.28.75, although the feature remains server-side enabled. That means users may need to wait even after updating the app.

Which Parts of WhatsApp Look Different?

The biggest visual change appears in the bottom navigation bar. Screenshots shared by WABetaInfo show a floating tab bar with translucent effects. The interface slightly blurs content behind it, creating a layered appearance similar to Apple’s native apps on iOS 26.

Icons inside the navigation bar also animate more smoothly when users switch tabs. Meanwhile, the active tab indicator dynamically adjusts around the selected icon instead of using the older static highlight.

WhatsApp is reportedly bringing these changes to both light and dark modes. However, transparency levels and background intensity shift depending on the selected theme.

The app’s buttons are also changing. Older flat controls are now being replaced with softer surfaces and smoother transitions. Menus inside the app are adopting glass-like transparency too, giving contextual pop-ups a more modern appearance.

How Does the New Keyboard Experience Work?

Another major part of the WhatsApp Liquid Glass update involves the keyboard experience on iPhones.

WhatsApp is reportedly adopting Apple’s newer keyboard styling introduced with iOS 26. The keyboard now carries translucent and reflective effects that adapt to the wallpaper and chat background behind it. That creates a more immersive typing experience compared to the older solid-color keyboard panels seen in previous WhatsApp versions.

The visual shift may sound small, but it changes how the app feels during everyday use. Since messaging apps are opened constantly throughout the day, even subtle interface upgrades become highly noticeable over time.

Why Is WhatsApp Adopting Apple’s iOS 26 Design Language?

Apple’s iOS 26 redesign is shaping how apps visually behave across the ecosystem. As more native Apple apps move toward Liquid Glass styling, third-party developers are beginning to follow the same direction for consistency.

For WhatsApp, matching Apple’s interface language could help the app feel more integrated into the iPhone experience.

The redesign also reflects a broader industry trend. Apps are increasingly using depth effects, layered transparency, and adaptive animations to create more fluid interactions. Instead of static screens, modern interfaces now react dynamically to taps, gestures, and movement.

Meta has not officially detailed the redesign yet. However, the gradual rollout suggests the company is carefully monitoring performance and user response before expanding availability.

Is the WhatsApp Liquid Glass Rollout Available to Everyone?

Not yet.

Even users who install the newest WhatsApp update may not immediately see the Liquid Glass interface. Reports indicate the feature is being enabled for select accounts first. This phased rollout strategy allows WhatsApp to identify bugs, performance issues, and compatibility concerns before a larger release.

There are also signs that the redesign remains incomplete. Some interface sections still use the older flat appearance. For example, reports suggest the chat bar does not fully support the new Liquid Glass treatment yet. That means the final public version could still evolve over the coming weeks.

What Does This Mean for iPhone Users?

The WhatsApp Liquid Glass redesign signals that iOS apps are entering another major visual transition phase.

For years, mobile interfaces moved toward minimal and flat design systems. Now, Apple appears to be reintroducing depth, transparency, and layered motion in a more advanced way. WhatsApp’s redesign shows how third-party apps may begin adapting to that shift.

The update also highlights how messaging apps are becoming more visually immersive. Instead of functioning as plain communication tools, apps increasingly focus on interface feel, responsiveness, and motion design.

As the WhatsApp Liquid Glass rollout expands, more iPhone users will likely begin noticing subtle but significant changes in how the app looks and behaves. For now, the redesign remains limited, but it already signals where iOS app design is heading next.