WhatsApp is experimenting with a fresh look for its iOS app, introducing rounder, softer chat bubbles on iOS that closely resemble Apple’s iMessage style. The redesign is part of WhatsApp’s broader Liquid Glass UI refresh, aimed at modernizing the app’s appearance and making conversations feel more fluid and native to iOS. According to early beta testers, the new bubbles replace the slightly rigid design with smoother curves, offering a more visually appealing and less cluttered interface.
A Cleaner, More Seamless Experience
Beyond the bubble redesign, WhatsApp is also testing borderless media previews. Photos, videos, GIFs, and links now appear without the traditional green outline, blending more naturally into the chat window. This subtle change reduces visual noise and aligns WhatsApp more closely with Apple’s design language, making the app feel like a natural extension of iOS rather than a third-party overlay.
Beta Rollout and User Reactions
The update is currently available to select users via TestFlight beta version 26.29.10.70. However, some stable App Store users have reported seeing the new bubbles as part of a server-side rollout. While WhatsApp has not confirmed a global release date, the gradual testing suggests the redesign could reach all iPhone users in the coming months. Early reactions have been mixed; some welcome the cleaner look, while others feel WhatsApp risks losing its distinct identity by resembling iMessage too closely.
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What This Means for iPhone Users
For everyday users, this redesign indicates WhatsApp’s dedication to staying current with the changing design standards on iOS. It’s the most significant visual update in years, reflecting the app’s effort to balance familiarity with modern aesthetics. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, the new bubbles promise a smoother, more enjoyable messaging experience.
According to WABetaInfo, these changes are part of WhatsApp’s ongoing UI refresh, and more refinements WABetaInfo reports that these changes are part of WhatsApp’s ongoing UI refresh, with more refinements expected in upcoming builds. In upcoming builds.
