WhatsApp Tests Liquid Glass Redesign for iOS 26

Apple is just days away from releasing iOS 26, which introduces the new Liquid Glass interface across iPhones. WhatsApp has already started testing support for the redesign, preparing its app to match Apple’s updated aesthetic.

WhatsApp Beta Points to iOS 26 Compatibility

According to WABetaInfo, the change appeared in version 25.24.10.70 of WhatsApp beta for iOS. The update is tagged as compatible with iOS 26 and appears to be laying the groundwork for a full Liquid Glass rollout later this month. Given the timing, the public release is expected to line up closely with Apple’s mid-September launch of iOS 26.

The redesign touches nearly every element of WhatsApp’s interface. Background layers, context menus, and buttons all now reflect the layered depth and shifting light behavior that Apple is introducing systemwide. The look aims to replicate the optical qualities of glass with subtle movement that responds to interaction, continuing Apple’s ongoing push to give iOS a more fluid and dynamic visual identity.

Compiled with iOS 26 SDK

WhatsApp’s test builds are reportedly being compiled with the iOS 26 SDK through the latest version of Xcode. Using Apple’s newest developer tools ensures the app can access the APIs necessary to apply Liquid Glass effects consistently throughout the interface.

The rollout isn’t expected to happen all at once. WhatsApp is said to be phasing in the redesign, beginning with the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen. Additional refinements to buttons and interactive elements will follow. That approach allows the company to test how the new transparency and lighting effects work in chat-heavy screens, where readability remains critical.

The full transition will need to be completed before a stable version ships to all iPhone users.

Release Timeline Remains Unclear

There’s still no official release date. The Liquid Glass redesign is not yet available even to TestFlight users, suggesting the work is still at an internal testing stage. However, given the close alignment with iOS 26, a rollout soon after Apple’s stable update seems likely.

WhatsApp’s adoption of Apple’s latest visual framework could mark one of the first major third-party app overhauls under iOS 26. Whether users will find the shift refreshing or distracting remains to be seen.

Would WhatsApp’s adoption of Liquid Glass make a difference in your daily use, or is it just a visual flair? Share your thoughts in the comments below.