“`html
WhatsApp to Embrace Apple’s ‘Liquid Glass‘ Design in Major iOS Update
Table of Contents
Messaging app begins testing a visual overhaul inspired by Apple’s forthcoming iOS 26, aiming for a more immersive and fluid user experience.
The next major iteration of WhatsApp for iOS is poised for a critically important aesthetic transformation. With the release of beta version 25.24.10.70 through Testflight,early indications suggest the messaging giant is integrating Apple’s “Liquid Glass” visual language – a key feature anticipated with the launch of iOS 26. This move signals a broader shift towards more dynamic and interactive interfaces across the Apple ecosystem.
The Rise of Liquid Glass
Liquid Glass represents a substantial aesthetic innovation for Apple’s operating systems. Described as an interface combining transparencies, reflections, and dynamic adaptations in light and movement, the goal is to deliver a heightened sense of depth and realism without compromising usability.”The arrival of Liquid Glass represents one of the most important aesthetic innovations of the next operating system,” one analyst noted.
WhatsApp’s Transition to a New Visual Style
WhatsApp’s experimentation with Liquid Glass began with a beta compilation utilizing the iOS 26 SDK – a necessary step to access the tools required for implementing the new effects. The Liquid Glass design introduces visual elements that respond to their surroundings, with buttons, menus, and cards adopting a subtle translucent effect that reflects underlying content and colors. This approach aims to create greater consistency between system applications and third-party software like WhatsApp.
The transition necessitates a substantial rethinking of WhatsApp’s current graphic structure, which is characterized as more “static and flat.” The development process is unfolding in phases, beginning with the navigation bars at the bottom of the screen. Attention will then shift to other interactive elements, with a strong emphasis on maintaining accessibility.
Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality
A key concern for the development team is ensuring that the visual effects do not hinder readability, particularly in varying lighting conditions. “The main risk, in fact, is that visual effects reduce readability under certain light or movement conditions,” a source familiar with the project stated. To mitigate this, developers are testing numerous configurations to evaluate the impact of transparencies and animations on devices with diverse performance capabilities.
leaked images offer a glimpse of these interventions, but the final design remains subject to refinement. WhatsApp appears to be exploring multiple variations, seeking a balance between adopting Apple’s design language and meeting the functional needs of its platform. Maintaining fluidity and stability is paramount, ensuring the aesthetic changes do not negatively impact the app’s responsiveness.
Compatibility and the User Experience
Another critical consideration is compatibility with older devices. While Apple has optimized Liquid Glass for its latest models, WhatsApp’s widespread user base necessitates a design that performs well across a broad range of iPhones. The challenge lies in creating a cohesive and visually appealing interface without penalizing users with less powerful hardware or older iOS versions.
If testing proceeds successfully, the new design could eventually extend to all app elements, including contextual menus and speedy action buttons, creating a unified visual experience aligned with iOS 26.
Currently, there is no official release date for iOS 26 or the corresponding WhatsApp update. However, based on past release patterns, industry observers anticipate the update could arrive for iPhone users in the fall.
The integration of Liquid Glass into WhatsApp represents a significant step towards a
