Big changes are no longer described as new systems, but as new visual languages. In that line, Apple has introduced Liquid glass in iOS 26 and WhatsApp joins with an adaptation that bets on transparencies, subtle reflections and a sense of depth for integrate better with the iPhone interface.
The activation of the new look is being done in a staggered in version 25.28.75 of WhatsApp for iOS, as observed by specialized sources such as WABetaInfo in the iOS 26 betaIt does not involve a structural redesign, but rather a notable facelift which unifies menus, toolbars, and controls with the iOS aesthetic. As with these deployments, the change can take days or weeks to complete. appear in your account.
What changes at the design level?
The leap can be seen in the relationship between windows and background: leaves, panels and modals incorporate a glassy effect that lets you see what's behind with enough blur to maintain legibility; a treatment that matches some what's new in iOS 26.
Also comes into play adaptive translucency and small reflections, so that the surfaces respond to the subsequent content without losing clarity, as seen in iOS 26 betasThis approach gives the app a more modern look. more modern and polished without altering how you move through chats.
The top bar becomes partially translucent and reveals the background chat very blurred, reinforcing the feeling of glass material. The menus and controls adopt soft edges and materials consistent with the aesthetics of the system.
At the bottom, navigation takes center stage: the active tab indicator It appears as a kind of translucent drop on the bar, with discreet animations that provide fluidity without stridency.
It is important to emphasize that there is no radical change in the arrangement of buttons or conversations: what is updated is the visual treatment of layers, edges and transitions, with greater consistency compared to iOS and a comfortable reading Of content.
Availability and requirements
The new look is coming in waves Server-side update on WhatsApp version 25.28.75 for iOS; if you need more context on the update and compatibility, check out the guide update to iOS 26. It appears in both accounts of TestFlight as in some stable channel profiles, always under gradual and controlled activation.
To be eligible for the change you need two conditions: to have your iPhone in iOS 26 and WhatsApp updated to version 25.28.75 (or higher). Even if both requirements are met, it is normal for the redesign to take a while. days or weeks to be enabled in your account.
There is no switch in settings to activate it manually: the company controls availability from its servers, prioritizing stability and gathering feedback before expanding the deployment.
How to enable Liquid Glass design on your iPhone
If you want to get ahead of the arrival of the new aesthetic, it is advisable to check a series of simple steps that maximize options to receive activation as soon as possible.
- Update your iPhone to: The redesign integrates with this visual language of the system, so does not activate in older versions.
- Install WhatsApp 25.28.75 (or higher): enter the App Store, search for WhatsApp and tap Update if a new version is available.
- Relaunch the app: close WhatsApp completely and reopen it to force the reload the interface.
- Be patient: The feature is enabled in batches and may take several days to appear even with everything updated.
When activated on your account, you will immediately notice the lower glass bar, the selection drop, smoother animations, and a translucent keyboard finish within chats.
A design with readability adjustments
Since the first betas of iOS 26, Apple has been modulating the intensity of the transparencies after criticisms about readability; first betas of iOS 26 They have already shown adjustments in that direction. WhatsApp now inherits a more balanced effect: maintains the presence of layers and highlights, but prioritizes text and clarity of controls.
The result is a style that provides a feeling of depth without compromising everyday use, with a cleaner, more consistent appearance in menus and panels.
Bottom bar, buttons and keyboard
The tab bar adopts a semi-transparent surface with a translucent drop which marks the active section. This detail, along with rounded edges and small reflections, simulates the bar floats above the content.
Buttons and menus gain consistency with the use of glass-like materials and subtle animations when interacting. Navigation is perceived as smoother, without sudden jumps or changes in the location of key elements.
The in-app keyboard features a slightly translucent and reflective finish, fitting better with the chat background and reinforcing the visual cohesion with the rest of the interface.
All of this respects the familiar WhatsApp layout: conversations, lists and settings are maintained, while the look & feel remains the same. most current and aligned with the system language.
Why this change is coming now
With the push of new visual languages ​​in the industry—such as the more expressive Material approach in Android and the Apple's Liquid Glass—, it was logical that key apps would adapt to offer a more user-friendly experience. more coherent with the system. WhatsApp joins the fold with a redesign that enhances the aesthetics without altering the way the app is used.
This update focuses on controlled transparencies, layers and smooth animations that modernize the iPhone interface. Although the rollout is gradual, keeping iOS and WhatsApp up to date is enough for the new look to eventually activating on your account Sooner than later.
