WhatsApp has started to open the Liquid Glass design, which has been tested with a limited user base in the iPhone application for a long time, to a wider user group. The new look is not spread throughout the application at this stage; However, the glass-like translucent design in the bottom navigation bar, the upper part of the Chats screen and some in-chat interface elements is now visible on more iOS users. WhatsApp’s iOS interface is switching to Liquid Glass design.
WhatsApp’s new design language is based on the Liquid Glass line that Apple highlighted with iOS 26. Apple defines Liquid Glass as a translucent interface material that reflects surrounding images and refracts light. This structure; It creates a more layered look across buttons, navigation areas, tabs, app icons, and different system controls. Now I wish WhatsApp didn’t adopt Liquid Glass… pic.twitter.com/CkI7gXNIKR— Vincent (@VincentLoi1204) May 15, 2026 On the WhatsApp side, this transition was not presented as a single-piece update that changed the entire application at once.
In the first stage, the most obvious change is seen in the bottom tab bar. For users who are active in the new design, the tab bar looks less like a fixed strip and more like a lighter, translucent layer that sits above the interface. Background elements are selected more smoothly from under this area, and the application becomes more compatible with the general visual language of iOS 26. The new interface is not limited to just the submenu.
WhatsApp has started to show the Liquid Glass effect in the top navigation area of the chat list and in some in-chat elements. Screenshots shared by users on X reveal that the new view has now entered a wider distribution process. However, the update is not yet active on everyone’s account, and the appearance may differ even among people using the same iOS version. received liquid glass design on whatsapp pic.twitter.com/ATltYXT7TI— kim wexler connoisseur (@sedboihrs) May 15, 2026 The real broad transformation that WhatsApp is working on also includes the chat screen.
In the tested build, the chat typing bar remains at the bottom, but has been redesigned with a more floating, glass-like and translucent surface. Similarly, transparency and smooth transition effects are used in the top navigation bar of the chat screen. Thus, some parts of the messages and chat wallpaper become more faintly visible under the interface layers. @WhatsApp Finally liquid glass design 👀❤️ pic.twitter.com/FejAQcA3bD— TheFool_419 (@dasdurga923) May 15, 2026 Meta isn’t just bringing the Liquid Glass look to home screen elements.
Renewals with the same design are being tested for the message reactions section, the context menu that opens when you press and hold on the message, and the voice message player. While the reaction tray currently has a flatter and opaque appearance, in the new design this area is expected to look more transparent, more layered and more compatible with the chat background. Therefore, WhatsApp’s Liquid Glass transition is not a complete interface change for now.
While some parts of the application have a new design, some areas retain their old appearance. This is especially seen in elements such as the chat screen, message reactions, context menus and voice message player. As WhatsApp moves these parts to the same visual line in subsequent updates, a more consistent Liquid Glass experience will be created throughout the application.
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