WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.36.10.72: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 25.36.10.72.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to celebrate 2026 with a special Lottie sticker, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Special 2026 sticker |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.36.10.72 has been designated as a compatible update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp Launches Customizable Member Tags in Group Chats for Better Organization! |
WhatsApp Brings the Animated 2026 Sticker to iOS Users
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.4 update, we announced that a special 2026 sticker is available. This addition allows users to enhance their New Year messages with animated, visually engaging graphics across individual and group chats, channels, and status updates. The sticker is part of a larger festive pack created using the Lottie framework, ensuring smooth animations and high-quality visuals without consuming excessive storage. Users can also incorporate the 2026 sticker into the Layout feature for status updates, combining photos and videos in a cohesive, celebratory presentation that highlights the transition into the New Year.
It appears that WhatsApp now intends to offer iOS users the same 2026 sticker that is already available on the Android version, aiming to provide a consistent experience across both platforms. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.36.10.72 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to celebrate 2026 with a special Lottie sticker!
As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can now explore the animated 2026 sticker, bringing a fresh visual element to the start of the year. This addition is part of a broader sticker pack that celebrates the New Year, featuring various festive graphics, greetings, and animations designed to reflect the excitement and transition into 2026. Each sticker in this collection has been crafted with the Lottie framework, ensuring smooth and lightweight animations that perform well across different devices. Thanks to this technology, users can enjoy rich, fluid visuals without worrying about excessive storage use or performance slowdowns.
Those who have access to the sticker can send it in individual and group chats, enhancing messages with a more dynamic and playful appearance. The sticker is also compatible with channels, allowing administrators and creators to share updates that feel more lively and engaging. Additionally, users can include the sticker in their status updates, giving them another way to visually mark the arrival of the New Year. Note that the sticker pack contains multiple options so users can choose graphics that best suit the tone of their message.
WhatsApp also highlights the 2026 sticker within the Layout section of the status creation screen. When the feature is enabled, a dedicated "2026" animated icon appears, helping users quickly identify layouts that complement the New Year theme. These layouts make it easier for users to combine multiple photos or videos into a single update, giving status posts a structured, story-like format. Adding the animated 2026 sticker enhances these updates by providing a visually engaging element that naturally draws attention without overshadowing other content.
The animated nature of the sticker ensures it fits smoothly into any combination of media, creating cohesive and festive updates. Users can experiment with different layouts, placing the sticker alongside photos, videos, or text to craft a personalized and celebratory status. This approach allows users to compile highlights from the past year in one visual story, using the sticker as a thematic thread that connects different moments. The sticker's playful animation reinforces the celebratory mood, emphasizing the excitement of welcoming 2026.
The option to add the animated 2026 sticker to Layouts is currently available for select beta testers, giving them early access to this feature. At this time, a large number of users who have installed the latest version from the App Store can also use the sticker in their Layouts. Instead, the full festive sticker pack is already accessible to all WhatsApp users, allowing everyone to send animated New Year greetings. This setup ensures that even those outside the beta program can enjoy the broader sticker collection while the Layout-specific sticker is gradually rolled out.
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