WhatsApp Extends Liquid Glass Redesign to 2 iPhone Chat Menus

7 articles · Updated · ABP Live · May 8

WhatsApp is testing a translucent overhaul for the iPhone reaction tray and in-chat context menu in iOS beta 26.18.10.70, widening its Liquid Glass redesign beyond earlier interface elements.
The change targets a mismatch in the current UI: the reaction tray still looks solid and opaque, while the conversation context menu uses only limited transparency compared with other updated screens.
The reaction tray's "more" emoji button will also adopt the new look, and the context menu is set to gain layered transparency and a lighter appearance that blends more closely with chat backgrounds.
A full-chat blur effect is still absent, and WhatsApp appears to be delaying a broader release until related elements—including the voice-note player outside chats—are refreshed.
Once testing is complete, the redesign is expected to roll out gradually to select beta users first as WhatsApp pushes for a more consistent iOS visual language.

Will WhatsApp's futuristic 'Liquid Glass' UI make older iPhones too slow to use?

As WhatsApp embraces 'Glassmorphism', can it meet strict accessibility laws taking effect in 2025?