WhatsApp beta is testing Liquid Glass design for voice messages
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will bring the Liquid Glass design to the voice message player in the future. This enhancement will modernize the interface and improve usability, making it easier for users to track and control the voice note experience.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Liquid Glass for voice messages |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is rolling out guest chats to let users message people without an account! |
WhatsApp is developing enhanced playback interface for voice notes
In the post about the WhatsApp for iOS 26.5.77 update, we announced that Liquid Glass was available to certain businesses. This rollout expanded the Liquid Glass interface to some business accounts, bringing the same modern visual language already introduced on the standard app. The interface offers translucent elements and layered depth effects that better align the app with iOS 26. It also introduces improvements to some elements of the interface, such as headers, tab bar, and action buttons.
Although Liquid Glass is not yet widely available, WhatsApp continues to refine the interface. This also includes improvements to how the app displays voice messages outside of chats. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.11.10.71 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that brings the Liquid Glass design to the voice note player.
As you can see from the attached image, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that makes the voice note player compatible with Liquid Glass. This addition is scheduled for release in the future, but it already aims to further expand the new design language across other elements. Currently, users can continue listening to a voice message from a conversation even after switching to a different chat. This feature allows users to keep track of their voice messages without interrupting other activities within the app.
When users play a voice note and leave the chat where it was sent, WhatsApp displays a green bar at the top of the screen. This includes basic controls to keep listening to the voice message even while opening another chat. However, the green playback bar does not fully align with the Liquid Glass design language. Unlike the floating and translucent elements seen elsewhere, such as the tab bar, this bar is fixed and solid, which makes it feel visually separate from the layered, glass-like interface. As a result, it stands out rather than blending seamlessly with the rest of the interface.
With a future update, WhatsApp will address this issue by introducing a redesigned playback bar. This update will align the playback bar with the Liquid Glass design language. Its floating, translucent style will interface seamlessly with the new design of the app. This means that users will be able to continue listening to voice messages without any visual disruption. This feature will make the revamped playback bar clearer and more consistent with the updated design.
The playback bar shows the sender's profile picture of the voice message on the left side. Currently, the progress indicator is horizontal and extended across the width of the screen. In a future update, the progress of the voice message will be displayed in a circular pattern and it matches the shape of the profile picture. Next to the profile picture, WhatsApp shows the sender's name, just like in the current version. On the right side, there are two controls to pause or stop the voice message, as in the current playback bar. So the new layout will keep the main information visible while introducing a more modern design.
The new playback bar will also introduce an important utility upgrade. Users will be able to rewind a voice message by 5 seconds with a simple tap. This button will let them quickly review parts they might have missed or want to hear again. Currently, the playback bar includes a progress indicator, but it cannot be adjusted, so users cannot rewind the voice message if they do not open the conversation where it was shared. With a future update, users will have more control over their playback experience thanks to this added convenience. So we can say that this enhancement will represent an evolution of both the interface and the overall playback experience.
Note that the Liquid Glass interface is still not widely available yet. WhatsApp is still testing the new design with a select number of users on WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business. Although a larger number of users have experienced the new interface in the past few weeks, WhatsApp is still carefully monitoring its performance. In the meantime, WhatsApp keeps refining the interface to ensure it delivers a smooth experience for all users. Further updates will be shared on WABetaInfo once Liquid Glass is rolled out more widely.
The feature that brings the Liquid Glass design to the voice message player is under development, and it is expected to be released in a future update. WhatsApp is currently refining how the app applies the Liquid Glass interface to the playback bar. Once testing is complete, WhatsApp will roll out this feature to select beta testers, making it possible for them to experience the updated design.
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