WhatsApp is starting to show a renewed look on iPhone that adopts the Apple's Liquid Glass visual language. This is an aesthetic turn that accompanies iOS 26 and that bets on controlled transparencies, subtle reflections and a sense of depth, keeping the structure of chats, lists and settings intact.
The new feature is not reaching everyone at once: activation is in progress gradually from the servers and, according to reports such as WABetaInfo, appears in the WhatsApp version 25.28.75 for iOS both in TestFlight and on some stable channel profiles. If you meet the requirements and don't see it yet, it's just a matter of time.
What changes with the new visual language
The leap is perceived above all in the relationship between windows, leaves and panels with the background content: now they are superimposed with a glassy effect that lets you see what is behind, but with blurred to preserve legibilityThe idea is to provide depth and clarity when navigating menus and settings.
The top bar gains presence with a partially translucent finish that displays the chat very out of focus from behind, reinforcing the sensation of glass material. All of this is accompanied by smoother animations in transitions and taps, with no changes to the button layout.
Liquid Glass also introduces adaptive translucency and small reflections that respond to what lies beneath each surface. Overall, the app feels more modern and consistent with the aesthetics of iOS 26, avoiding exaggerations to keep the text always clear.
Bottom bar, buttons and keyboard
The bottom tab bar adopts rounded edges and a small margin with respect to the edges of the screen, generating a floating piece effect. The finish is glazed, allowing a slight view of the lower contents with a subtle blur.
- Selection indicator in the form of translucent drop which highlights the active tab.
- Interactions with fluid animations and soft touch responses.
- Adaptation to light and dark mode, fine-tuning opacity and brightness.
The in-app keyboard takes on a sleek finish slightly translucent and more rounded, better integrating with the background of the conversation. Also buttons and menus are updated with smooth shapes, glass-like materials, and sleeker transitions, without altering how you navigate chats or calls.
Availability and requirements
The deployment is by controlled wavesTo get the new look you need to have your iPhone in iOS 26 and update WhatsApp to the version 25.28.75 or higher. The company activates the function from the server, so It may take days or weeks to reach your account even if you have everything up to date.
WABetaInfo and other observers confirm that the activation is already present in beta users of TestFlight and on some stable channel profiles. There is no hidden switch in settings: availability depends entirely on the remote activation.
How to activate it as soon as possible
While there are no magic shortcuts, you can make sure you follow the basic steps to receive the news. in the first possible batch:
- Update your iPhone to iOS 26 from Settings > General > Software Update.
- Install WhatsApp 25.28.75 or later from the App Store.
- Close the app completely, reopen it and check the bottom bar and header.
- If you participate in TestFlight, make sure you have the latest build; if not, the public version will suffice.
If you don't see any changes after these steps, it's normal that your account is not yet included in the current waveKeep the app updated and check back regularly: activation will happen without you having to touch anything else.
Readability and Reaction Settings
As is often the case with a significant visual change, there are opinions for all tastes. They circulate on social media. screenshots and videos that show the new style, and although some users preferred the previous look, most value the coherence with the system and the finest animations.
Anyone who uses WhatsApp daily on their iPhone will notice a more polished look and feel that doesn't change the way they use the app: same menus and flows, but with a glass finish, smooth animations, and better integration with iOS 26. Just keep your system and app up to date and wait for the activation to reach your account.