WhatsApp Rolls Out New “Liquid Glass” Design for iPhone Users: Get an iOS 18-Like Look and Feel

Meta Begins Testing a Sleek, Transparent WhatsApp Interface Inspired by Apple’s iOS 18, Featuring Enhanced Visuals and New In-App Features

Popular messaging platform WhatsApp has begun rolling out a brand-new “Liquid Glass” design exclusively for iPhone users, giving the app a fresh, fluid, and modern look that closely resembles Apple’s iOS 18 interface. Although Meta has not yet made an official announcement, several users have started noticing the visual update on their devices — marking one of the most significant design overhauls in WhatsApp’s history.

What’s New in the “Liquid Glass” Design

The highlight of the new update is its translucent glass-like interface, which brings a refined, premium touch to the app’s visual identity. Particularly in the tab bar section — including Chats, Calls, and Updates — users will now see a subtle frosted-glass effect, creating a more immersive and dynamic feel similar to iOS 18’s aesthetic.

But the upgrade isn’t just about looks. WhatsApp’s Liquid Glass version also introduces functional improvements such as:

• Support for Live Photos within chats.

• On-device message translation, allowing users to translate text messages directly on their phones without sending data to the internet.

This combination of design and performance changes ensures that WhatsApp feels not only more modern but also faster and more responsive on iPhones.

Currently in Limited Testing Phase

According to WABetaInfo, the new Liquid Glass interface is currently in a limited rollout phase. Meta first introduced the design to beta testers last month, and now it has begun appearing for a select number of stable-version users.

Since WhatsApp has a global user base exceeding 2 billion, such large-scale design rollouts are implemented gradually to avoid widespread bugs or system crashes. This phased approach allows Meta’s development team to monitor performance, collect feedback, and address any issues before expanding availability.

When Will All Users Get the Update?

Meta’s release notes indicate that major visual updates like this one are rolled out in stages. Therefore, not every iPhone user will receive the update simultaneously. Depending on region and device compatibility, it may take a few weeks before the new Liquid Glass design reaches all users worldwide.

If you don’t see the new interface yet, updating your app from the App Store and waiting for the official rollout cycle is the best approach.

Meta’s New Design Strategy for iOS

This redesign is part of Meta’s broader design strategy to make WhatsApp’s interface more consistent with Apple’s iOS ecosystem. By aligning with Apple’s design philosophy, Meta aims to offer iPhone users a seamless, native app experience that matches the look and responsiveness of iOS 18.

Beyond aesthetics, the company is also focused on performance optimization — ensuring that transitions, animations, and interactions feel fluid and responsive, even on older iPhone models.

Once the rollout is complete, industry experts believe the Liquid Glass design will represent WhatsApp’s biggest visual transformation yet, setting a new standard for how the app looks and feels across Apple devices.

A Step Toward a More Unified Experience

Meta’s move toward a transparent, fluid design reflects a clear goal — to create a harmonized cross-platform experience that still feels native to each operating system. With the Liquid Glass update, WhatsApp aims to combine Apple’s elegant visual style with Meta’s evolving focus on AI and usability, making everyday communication smoother and more visually engaging.

For now, iPhone users can look forward to an app that feels fresh, futuristic, and perfectly in sync with the design language of iOS 18 — bringing WhatsApp one step closer to Apple’s premium ecosystem experience.