WhatsApp for iOS 25.24.77: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the App Store, bringing the version up to 25.24.77.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that expands the GIF keyboard layout from two to three columns, and it's available to some users!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.20.11 update, we announced the introduction of a new layout for the GIF keyboard. This feature improves the GIF browsing experience by expanding the grid from two to three columns, allowing users to view more items at a glance. The change also makes better use of larger screens, reduces unnecessary scrolling, and speeds up the process of finding and sharing the perfect animation during conversations. It appears that WhatsApp now intends to offer iOS users the same redesigned interface the GIF keyboard as it already does for the Android version, aiming to provide a consistent experience across both platforms. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp for iOS 25.24.77 update, which is available on the App Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that expands the GIF keyboard layout from two to three columns!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some users can now explore a new feature that makes GIF discovery far more efficient and visually appealing. With the updated layout, each row displays an extra GIF, resulting in a 50% increase in the number of GIFs visible at once. This means that users spend less time scrolling through endless lists of animations, as more options are available instantly on the screen. The update is particularly useful in trending and popular sections, where dozens of new GIFs compete for attention at once. By showing more content in the same amount of space, WhatsApp ensures that users can find the right GIF more quickly and with less effort.

Another advantage is that the new layout optimizes the use of screen space on modern smartphones and tablets. Previously, the two-column view displayed GIFs in an unnecessarily large format, which limited the number of items visible at the same time and slowed down browsing. By slightly reducing the width of each GIF, an additional item can be displayed in a third column. This significantly expands the selection available on a single screen, as the three-column grid allows users to browse a wider range of GIFs at once. This adjustment ensures that users can view more options simultaneously while maintaining clarity and readability. As a result, the browsing experience feels more balanced, efficient, and better suited to the proportions of today's devices.

When chatting with friends or groups, timing is often important, and the ability to send a GIF without delay helps preserve the natural flow of the conversation. With the new three-column layout, users can scan a broader selection of GIFs at a glance, which speeds up the decision-making process. This improvement makes sharing GIFs faster while also making interactions more expressive and engaging, as users can react instantly with the perfect animation. The streamlined navigation also reduces frustration, since people are less likely to give up on sending a GIF simply because it takes too long to find.

From an aesthetic perspective, the updated layout gives the interface a more modern and visually balanced appearance. The rows now feel more compact without appearing cluttered, allowing users to experiment with a cleaner and more organized browsing experience. It's worth noting that even users with smaller devices benefit from the redesign, as the three-column grid adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes while maintaining both clarity and usability.

A feature that expands the GIF keyboard layout from two to three columns is available to some users who install the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS from the App Store, and it's rolling out to more people over the coming weeks.

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