WhatsApp is testing a modern visual interface called Liquid Glass, a design update that introduces translucent, glass-like effects to the app’s chat bubbles, menus, and interface elements. The feature, currently in beta for select users on iOS and Android, aims to modernize the user experience with subtle animations and depth effects that respond to touch and scrolling. Whereas the change is primarily aesthetic, it reflects Meta’s broader effort to refresh its flagship messaging platform amid growing competition from apps like Signal and Telegram.
The Liquid Glass effect uses layered transparency and light refraction simulations to create a sense of depth, making chat bubbles appear to float slightly above the background with a soft glow around edges. According to screenshots shared by beta testers and verified by tech analysts, the effect is most noticeable in dark mode, where the semi-transparent elements catch ambient light from the device screen. The update does not alter core functionality — messaging, voice calls, file sharing, and end-to-end encryption remain unchanged — but focuses solely on the visual layer of the app.
Access to Liquid Glass is currently limited to users enrolled in WhatsApp’s beta program via the Google Play Store or Apple’s TestFlight. Meta has not announced a public rollout timeline, though internal testing suggests a phased release could begin in late 2024. The feature requires devices running iOS 16 or later and Android 12 or higher, as it relies on advanced graphics rendering capabilities introduced in those operating system versions.
This design shift echoes similar experiments by Apple in iOS 17 with its translucent UI elements and Google’s Material You redesigns, signaling a trend toward more fluid, dynamic interfaces in mobile apps. However, unlike system-level changes, WhatsApp’s Liquid Glass is confined to the app itself, meaning it won’t affect how other applications appear on the device.
How Liquid Glass Works in WhatsApp
The Liquid Glass effect is powered by WhatsApp’s updated rendering engine, which uses GPU-accelerated compositing to layer interface elements with variable opacity and blur. When a user opens a chat, the message bubbles appear with a slight frosted glass texture, where the background behind them is softly blurred and tinted to match the theme. As the user scrolls, the bubbles shift subtly in response to motion, creating a parallax-like effect that enhances perceived depth.
Meta’s design team has confirmed that the effect uses real-time light simulation based on the device’s ambient color profile, adjusting highlights and shadows dynamically. This means the glass appearance can look slightly different depending on wallpaper, theme, and even time of day when using adaptive dark/light modes. The effect is intentionally subtle to avoid distracting from message content, a key consideration given WhatsApp’s global user base of over 2 billion people.
Performance optimization was a priority during development, with engineers ensuring the effect adds minimal battery drain or processing overhead. Early beta feedback indicates the feature runs smoothly on mid-range devices like the Samsung Galaxy A54 and iPhone SE (2022), though older models may experience slight frame rate drops during heavy usage.
Users can disable the effect at any time through WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Appearance, where a toggle labeled “Liquid Glass Effect” allows switching between the new glass style and the classic flat design. This opt-out option addresses concerns about accessibility, particularly for users with motion sensitivity or visual processing differences.
Who Can Apply Liquid Glass Right Now?
As of June 2024, Liquid Glass is available only to users who have joined WhatsApp’s beta testing channels. On Android, this means enrolling in the WhatsApp Beta program via the Google Play Store and updating to version 2.24.12.7 or later. On iOS, users must install TestFlight and accept an invitation from WhatsApp’s internal testing team, which is distributed in limited batches.
Meta has not opened the feature to the general public, citing the need for further stability testing and user feedback collection. The company typically runs beta features for 8–12 weeks before considering a wider release, though timelines can vary based on issue severity and user adoption rates.
Geographically, the beta test appears to be global, with participants reported in North America, Europe, India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia. However, Meta has not released official demographic data on testers, and access remains invitation-based or opt-in through public beta channels.
It’s significant to note that third-party websites claiming to offer “Liquid Glass APKs” or unofficial iOS tweaks are not endorsed by WhatsApp and may pose security risks. These modified versions could compromise end-to-end encryption or contain malware, according to warnings from cybersecurity firms like Kaspersky and ESET.
Why Meta Is Redesigning WhatsApp’s Look
The Liquid Glass update is part of a broader strategy to keep WhatsApp visually competitive in a market where user expectations for app design have risen significantly. Competitors like Telegram have introduced animated emojis, custom chat themes, and adaptive interfaces, while Signal has focused on minimalist, privacy-first aesthetics that still feel modern.
Internally, Meta views WhatsApp’s design as a key lever for user engagement, particularly among younger demographics who prioritize aesthetics in app choice. A 2023 internal survey cited by The Verge found that 41% of users aged 18–24 considered visual refreshes a “very important” factor when deciding whether to continue using a messaging app.
The change too aligns with Meta’s push to unify the visual language across its family of apps. Instagram and Facebook have both adopted more translucent, layered interfaces in recent updates, and Liquid Glass brings WhatsApp closer to that shared design language — though WhatsApp maintains its distinct green accent color and rounded bubble shape to preserve brand identity.
Some analysts suggest the update may also lay groundwork for future features like augmented reality (AR) filters in video calls or interactive chat backgrounds, which would benefit from a rendering engine capable of handling complex visual effects.
What This Means for Users
For most WhatsApp users, Liquid Glass will remain invisible until it exits beta and rolls out to the stable version of the app. When it does arrive, the change will be opt-in by default, meaning users won’t be forced to adopt the new look unless they choose to enable it.
The update does not affect chat backups, cross-platform compatibility, or encryption standards. Messages sent between users with and without the effect enabled will appear normally on both ends, as the visual layer is rendered locally on each device.
Accessibility advocates have welcomed the option to disable the effect, noting that motion-sensitive users can now enjoy WhatsApp’s latest features without triggering discomfort. The company has also confirmed that screen reader compatibility remains fully intact, with no changes to how voice-over tools interpret chat elements.
As with any design shift, there may be a brief adjustment period for long-time users accustomed to the flat, solid-color bubbles that have defined WhatsApp’s look since its 2009 launch. However, early beta feedback indicates most users adapt within a day or two, with many describing the effect as “premium” and “refreshing” without being distracting.
For now, the best way to stay informed about Liquid Glass is to follow WhatsApp’s official blog or join the public beta program if interested in testing upcoming features. Meta typically announces stable releases through its engineering blog and in-app notifications, giving users clear notice before any visual changes take effect.
WhatsApp is testing a new visual interface called Liquid Glass, a design update that introduces translucent, glass-like effects to the app’s chat bubbles, menus, and interface elements. The feature, currently in beta for select users on iOS and Android, aims to modernize the user experience with subtle animations and depth effects that respond to touch and scrolling. While the change is primarily aesthetic, it reflects Meta’s broader effort to refresh its flagship messaging platform amid growing competition from apps like Signal and Telegram.
The Liquid Glass effect uses layered transparency and light refraction simulations to create a sense of depth, making chat bubbles appear to float slightly above the background with a soft glow around edges. According to screenshots shared by beta testers and verified by tech analysts, the effect is most noticeable in dark mode, where the semi-transparent elements catch ambient light from the device screen. The update does not alter core functionality — messaging, voice calls, file sharing, and end-to-end encryption remain unchanged — but focuses solely on the visual layer of the app.
Access to Liquid Glass is currently limited to users enrolled in WhatsApp’s beta program via the Google Play Store or Apple’s TestFlight. Meta has not announced a public rollout timeline, though internal testing suggests a phased release could begin in late 2024. The feature requires devices running iOS 16 or later and Android 12 or higher, as it relies on advanced graphics rendering capabilities introduced in those operating system versions.
This design shift echoes similar experiments by Apple in iOS 17 with its translucent UI elements and Google’s Material You redesigns, signaling a trend toward more fluid, dynamic interfaces in mobile apps. However, unlike system-level changes, WhatsApp’s Liquid Glass is confined to the app itself, meaning it won’t affect how other applications appear on the device.
How Liquid Glass Works in WhatsApp
The Liquid Glass effect is powered by WhatsApp’s updated rendering engine, which uses GPU-accelerated compositing to layer interface elements with variable opacity and blur. When a user opens a chat, the message bubbles appear with a slight frosted glass texture, where the background behind them is softly blurred and tinted to match the theme. As the user scrolls, the bubbles shift subtly in response to motion, creating a parallax-like effect that enhances perceived depth.
Meta’s design team has confirmed that the effect uses real-time light simulation based on the device’s ambient color profile, adjusting highlights and shadows dynamically. This means the glass appearance can look slightly different depending on wallpaper, theme, and even time of day when using adaptive dark/light modes. The effect is intentionally subtle to avoid distracting from message content, a key consideration given WhatsApp’s global user base of over 2 billion people.
Performance optimization was a priority during development, with engineers ensuring the effect adds minimal battery drain or processing overhead. Early beta feedback indicates the feature runs smoothly on mid-range devices like the Samsung Galaxy A54 and iPhone SE (2022), though older models may experience slight frame rate drops during heavy usage.
Users can disable the effect at any time through WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Appearance, where a toggle labeled “Liquid Glass Effect” allows switching between the new glass style and the classic flat design. This opt-out option addresses concerns about accessibility, particularly for users with motion sensitivity or visual processing differences.
Who Can Use Liquid Glass Right Now?
As of June 2024, Liquid Glass is available only to users who have joined WhatsApp’s beta testing channels. On Android, this means enrolling in the WhatsApp Beta program via the Google Play Store and updating to version 2.24.12.7 or later. On iOS, users must install TestFlight and accept an invitation from WhatsApp’s internal testing team, which is distributed in limited batches.
Meta has not opened the feature to the general public, citing the need for further stability testing and user feedback collection. The company typically runs beta features for 8–12 weeks before considering a wider release, though timelines can vary based on issue severity and user adoption rates.
Geographically, the beta test appears to be global, with participants reported in North America, Europe, India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia. However, Meta has not released official demographic data on testers, and access remains invitation-based or opt-in through public beta channels.
It’s important to note that third-party websites claiming to offer “Liquid Glass APKs” or unofficial iOS tweaks are not endorsed by WhatsApp and may pose security risks. These modified versions could compromise end-to-end encryption or contain malware, according to warnings from cybersecurity firms like Kaspersky and ESET.
Why Meta Is Redesigning WhatsApp’s Look
The Liquid Glass update is part of a broader strategy to keep WhatsApp visually competitive in a market where user expectations for app design have risen significantly. Competitors like Telegram have introduced animated emojis, custom chat themes, and adaptive interfaces, while Signal has focused on minimalist, privacy-first aesthetics that still feel modern.
Internally, Meta views WhatsApp’s design as a key lever for user engagement, particularly among younger demographics who prioritize aesthetics in app choice. A 2023 internal survey cited by The Verge found that 41% of users aged 18–24 considered visual refreshes a “very important” factor when deciding whether to continue using a messaging app.
The change also aligns with Meta’s push to unify the visual language across its family of apps. Instagram and Facebook have both adopted more translucent, layered interfaces in recent updates, and Liquid Glass brings WhatsApp closer to that shared design language — though WhatsApp maintains its distinct green accent color and rounded bubble shape to preserve brand identity.
Some analysts suggest the update may also lay groundwork for future features like augmented reality (AR) filters in video calls or interactive chat backgrounds, which would benefit from a rendering engine capable of handling complex visual effects.
What This Means for Users
For most WhatsApp users, Liquid Glass will remain invisible until it exits beta and rolls out to the stable version of the app. When it does arrive, the change will be opt-in by default, meaning users won’t be forced to adopt the new look unless they choose to enable it.
The update does not affect chat backups, cross-platform compatibility, or encryption standards. Messages sent between users with and without the effect enabled will appear normally on both ends, as the visual layer is rendered locally on each device.
Accessibility advocates have welcomed the option to disable the effect, noting that motion-sensitive users can now enjoy WhatsApp’s latest features without triggering discomfort. The company has also confirmed that screen reader compatibility remains fully intact, with no changes to how voice-over tools interpret chat elements.
As with any design shift, there may be a brief adjustment period for long-time users accustomed to the flat, solid-color bubbles that have defined WhatsApp’s look since its 2009 launch. However, early beta feedback indicates most users adapt within a day or two, with many describing the effect as “premium” and “refreshing” without being distracting.
For now, the best way to stay informed about Liquid Glass is to follow WhatsApp’s official blog or join the public beta program if interested in testing upcoming features. Meta typically announces stable releases through its engineering blog and in-app notifications, giving users clear notice before any visual changes take effect.