WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.18.10.71: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 26.18.10.71.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a new design for message bubbles to offer a modern chat interface, and it will be available in a future update!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Refreshed chat bubble design |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development, and it is not available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.19.4: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to clean up storage in their channels! |
Softer message bubbles and a more modern chat interface on WhatsApp for Android
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.10.2 update, we announced a feature that gives message bubbles a softer design for a more modern chat look. This interface will introduce fully rounded message bubbles with smoother corners. Multimedia content such as photos and videos will also appear in a frameless style. This would allow them to blend more naturally into the conversation. The refreshed design aims to make conversations feel definitely lighter.
WhatsApp to expand redesigned chat bubbles to WhatsApp for iOS
At the time, the update was only available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android. However, WhatsApp is now finally working on bringing the same visual improvements and refreshed interface to the iOS app as well. This will align the iOS experience with the Android version. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.18.10.71 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a new design for message bubbles to offer a modern chat interface.
Current chat bubble design on WhatsApp for iOS
WhatsApp is currently testing a feature that brings a refreshed design to message bubbles. Although the new interface for message bubbles is currently under development and scheduled for release in the future, we can already see it will bring a cleaner look to the conversation. Currently, chat bubbles on iOS have a simple design with slightly rounded corners. The bubbles are already fairly smooth, but they are not extremely rounded. So the edges are already softened, but they still retain a slightly structured and defined outline. While the current bubbles on WhatsApp for iOS are slightly rounded, they are less curved than the newer designs being tested on Android.
A smoother and more modern chat bubble redesign on WhatsApp for iOS
In a future update, WhatsApp will introduce a new design for chat bubbles. The new design focuses on a softer, more modern aesthetic. The most noticeable change is the increased corner radius. The bubbles in the future update are significantly more rounded than the current ones. They appear slightly more similar to the chat bubbles used in iMessage. This will give the interface a smoother look. You can compare the two designs in the attached image.
Frameless design for shared media in chats
The update will also impact shared media in chats. Specifically, photos, videos, and GIFs will appear without the traditional message bubble borders. WhatsApp will still display media files in a bubble-like shape, but with a cleaner, frameless look. This change will make media content feel more integrated into the conversation.
Frameless style for media in groups and forwarded messages
When the user shares a photo or video is shared, there is one case where the app won't apply the new frameless. WhatsApp will add a small info area above the photo or video in group chats and forwarded messages. This part shows who sent the message, and it also indicates if it was forwarded from another chat. As a result, the media is not displayed completely on its own, since it still includes this header section for context. This means the frameless look is only partially applied in these cases.
New design for WhatsApp chat bubbles is in development
The new design for message bubbles to offer a modern chat interface is under development, and it will be available in a future update. WhatsApp is currently working on improving how the new bubbles look. Once development is complete, WhatsApp will release the new interface to some beta testers, making the chat screen more modern than before.
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