WhatsApp introduces Liquid Glass design for the message menu
WhatsApp is rolling out new updates for the chat interface on iOS, making the reaction tray and context menu compatible with Liquid Glass. This feature allows users to experiment with a more complete experience with Liquid Glass. This is another step toward completing the transition to Liquid Glass before iOS 27 becomes available.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | Liquid Glass design for the reaction tray |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.35.10.16 is a compatible update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers on TestFlight. |
| Thanks: | Akan, futurebound, and IsaacAndHisIsaac, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is rolling out notifications for draft messages! |
WhatsApp introduced Liquid Glass for the chat interface
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.25.10.16 update, we announced new important improvements for Liquid Glass. This update refreshed the chat interface by making the chat bar compatible with Liquid Glass. The chat bar now features a translucent background that reflects and refracts whatever is behind it. WhatsApp is also making the navigation bar transparent on iOS 26. These updates allow users to enjoy a more complete Liquid Glass experience throughout the chat interface.
WhatsApp is bringing the Liquid Glass design to the message menu
After updating the chat bar, WhatsApp decided to give a refreshed design to more elements of the interface. In particular, WhatsApp is revamping the message menu, which includes the reaction tray and context menu. This feature gives the interface a more modern look that matches the Apple's latest design language. This is what we discovered with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.35.10.16 update, which is available on TestFlight. With this update, WhatsApp is rolling out a Liquid Glass interface for the reaction tray and context menu. This makes these elements more consistent with the chat interface.
The reaction tray now has a translucent Liquid Glass design
WhatsApp is refreshing the look of the reaction tray. Instead of featuring a more solid appearance, the reaction tray now uses transparency and visual effects that perfectly align with the Liquid Glass design. Users can invoke the section tray by selecting a message. This action presents the context menu, which now features a Liquid Glass design as well. The conversation remains visible behind the context menu. This means that users will no longer see the blur effect that covers the entire chat screen. When users open the context menu, they can also see the updated reaction tray. As a result, WhatsApp is bringing the same design used in the chat screen to the reaction panel.
WhatsApp keeps the reaction tray easy to access
The new design does not change how users react to messages. Users can still open the reaction tray and choose one of the available emoji. The update only changes how the reaction tray appears. It finally fits more naturally into the updated chat interface. The reaction tray remain in the same familiar location, so users can react to messages without learning a new interaction.
The reaction tray supports Light and Dark Mode
The redesigned reaction tray also adapts to the appearance selected on iPhone. In Light Mode, the tray uses a lighter translucent appearance that fits the surrounding interface. Dark Mode applies the same Liquid Glass design while adapting the interface to the darker chat background. The attached image shows how WhatsApp adjusts the reaction tray for both modes.
WhatsApp continues to refine Liquid Glass
WhatsApp is also working on bringing new updates to the drawing editor and video player. These updates will make the drawing screen and the playback bar completely compatible with Liquid Glass. While users are waiting for these updates, WhatsApp keeps improving the chat interface before Apple releases iOS 27. The latest change shows how WhatsApp is continuing to update the interface instead of limiting Liquid Glass to the main chat bar.
WhatsApp is rolling out the refreshed message menu to iOS users
Liquid Glass for the message menu is available to some beta testers who install the latest update from TestFlight, WhatsApp is gradually rolling out this feature, so it may not be available to all users right now. Users who do not see the redesigned reaction tray will need to wait for a future update. WhatsApp has not announced when the updated interface will be available to everyone.
Connect with WABetaInfo
Follow WABetaInfo on X and visit our About page to learn more about what we do. We always appreciate your feedback on posts like this one.