WhatsApp expands Liquid Glass redesign to more iOS users

Após months of limited testing, WhatsApp is expanding the reach of the first stage of its Liquid Glass redesign to a larger number of users on iOS. The visual change affects the lower navigation bar, elements within conversations and the upper navigation bar in the Chats tab, according to reports from users on the X network.

The rollout represents a significant step forward in Meta’s plan to modernize the messaging app’s interface. Liquid Glass, a fluid, translucent design inspired by contemporary visual patterns, had been restricted to a small group of testers since October last year, when the company started with the bottom navigation bar and some elements of the Chats tab.

Meta experiences progressive application of new design

Meta’s approach has been gradual and experimental. Desde the initial limited release, the company tested the adaptation of Liquid Glass in several interface components, including the audio message player, the interface within conversations, reactions to messages and context menus. Essa’s staged deployment strategy allows developers to monitor user reaction and make adjustments before a full rollout.

Alguns users reported on social media that they appreciate the aesthetic change, praising the more modern and refined look that the Liquid Glass provides. However, not all reactions were positive. Críticos point out that the visual transition can be disorienting for users accustomed to the previous interface, and some question whether the changes bring functional benefits beyond the visual change.

"Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube finally got Liquid Glass and it looks super clean!

Did you get those liquid glass effects?

Share your WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram docks with me!" pic.twitter.com/7toZi2Xfak

— OneUiOS (@oneuios) May 17, 2026

Implementação uneven on user devices

On devices that have already received the update, the impact is not uniform. Alguns users confirm that the bottom navigation bar now displays the Liquid Glass design, along with selected chat elements and the top navigation bar in the Chats interface. The app is also displaying the iOS 26 keyboard in certain contexts.

Componentes as the audio message player and message reactions menu still maintain the old design on some devices. Esse partial rollout pattern is typical of progressive rollouts performed by Meta, allowing the company to identify compatibility or performance issues before extending the change to the entire user base.

The company has not released an official timeline for completing the rollout of Liquid Glass across all sections of WhatsApp. Especialistas speculate that full implementation could take weeks or months, depending on the collection of performance data and user feedback.

Detalhes visual change technicians

Liquid Glass is not a superficial cosmetic change. The design implements:

• Elementos translucent visuals with improved visual depth
• Animações smoothed during transitions between tabs and menus
• Color Esquema adjusted for better contrast with new visual standard
• Integração with native iOS 26 features for maximum compatibility
• Refinamentos in typography for maintained legibility throughout the new design

The implementation respected Apple design standards for iOS apps, ensuring that WhatsApp remains visually coherent with the iPhone ecosystem. Essa cohesion is crucial to keeping the user experience fluid and intuitive.

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Contexto from the Liquid Glass project

Liquid Glass is not a new concept. Meta has explored this visual language in other products in its portfolio. The WhatsApp-specific adaptation began as a controlled experiment, and feedback collected during initial testing was instrumental in refining the current implementation.

Tech’s Analistas note that Meta is banking on visual updates to keep WhatsApp competitive in a saturated messaging app market. Concorrentes like Telegram and Signal also regularly invest in design updates to attract and retain users.

The timing of the Liquid Glass expansion coincides with the release of iOS 26, suggesting that Meta coordinated the visual update with the Apple release cycle. Essa synchronization allows the enterprise to take advantage of new design and performance features offered by the latest version of the operating system.

Próximos steps on WhatsApp roadmap

Embora to Meta has not formally confirmed, expectations indicate that Liquid Glass will be progressively expanded to cover more interface elements. The audio message player and reactions menu are obvious candidates for the next update waves.

Usuários who want to receive the update sooner can check App Store to ensure they have the latest version of WhatsApp. Meta frequently prioritizes users running updated versions of the application and operating system to receive new features and designs.

The company is also monitoring engagement and retention metrics to assess the impact of the new design. Preliminary Dados indicates that well-executed visual updates can increase the app’s perceived modernity, although the actual impact on user retention remains the subject of ongoing analysis.

Implicações broader Meta ecosystem

Meta’s investment in Liquid Glass reflects its broader strategy to modernize its applications. The Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger have undergone similar design updates in recent years, seeking to create a coherent visual language across properties.

WhatsApp, as the most widely used messaging app globally, serves as a showcase for Meta’s design capabilities. A successful redesign here could validate the company’s approach to visual updates in other products.

Usuários who have not yet received the update do not need to do anything other than keep the application updated. The Liquid Glass rollout remains ongoing, and more devices will receive the visual change in the coming days and weeks.