WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that brings a modern look to chat bubbles on the Android beta app. This feature is designed to give message bubbles a softer design with more rounded corners, making conversations look cleaner.
| Key points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Refreshed chat bubble design |
| Feature availability: | Some features announced in this article may be under development and not yet available to all beta testers, or they may be gradually rolling out to users. If you're unable to access a certain feature, you will need to wait for a future update. Keep reading for more information. |
| News shared last week: | WhatsApp is working on a feature to schedule messages! |
| Previous article: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.10.2: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that gives message bubbles a softer design for a more modern chat look! |
Weekly WhatsApp Beta Updates: New Features and Improvements
This new weekly roundup brings together all the latest updates about WhatsApp beta shared this week. As a result, you can finally catch up on everything you might have missed from our past announcements. You can consider this summary as a way to stay informed about new features, improvements, and fixes. This week's highlight focuses on a refreshed design for chat bubbles, a new feature available on the Android app that lets users experience a more modern messaging interface. See what else has been announced this week.
WhatsApp expands status updates to recent unsaved contacts
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets users receive status updates from unsaved phone numbers. If you have recently messaged or called someone, they can now include you in their personal audience, even if you have not saved them in their address book. Someone who has not saved your number can still see your updates only if you have saved theirs and you have interacted with them recently. WhatsApp will automatically stop sharing status updates with unsaved phone numbers if the latest interactions are no longer recent.
WhatsApp is rolling out a more modern interface for chat message bubbles
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.10.2 update, we announced that some beta testers may explore a new feature that gives chat bubbles a more modern look. In previous updates, the chat bubbles had more angular corners that gave the interface a blocky appearance. Now, message bubbles appear fully rounded, with a much higher corner radius than before. Images and videos are no longer enclosed within a traditional bubble frame. Instead, they now appear entirely as bubbles themselves. This new design makes conversations feel more modern and visually appealing, as it gives users a sense of a cleaner interface.
WhatsApp is rolling out a waitlist for the premium plan
The WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.9.6 update allows some beta testers to join the waitlist for the premium plan. A banner within the sticker keyboard or at the top of the settings page lets user quickly enroll in the waitlist. This service allows users to sign up for a waitlist that will notify them when the premium plan subscription is available. Signing up for the waitlist does not require them to automatically sign up for WhatsApp's paid plan when it becomes available. Enrolling in the waitlist for the premium plan is optional. The premium plan itself is also entirely optional. So users can continue using the app with its current features without any changes to their experience.
WhatsApp is working on additional pinned chats
WhatsApp is developing a new feature that brings extra pinned conversations to the Chats tab. Users can currently pin up to 3 conversations at the top of the chat list. By subscribing to the upcoming premium plan, users will be able to pin up to 20 chats. This expansion will give users more flexibility to keep their most important conversations easily accessible. Note that only users who want to expand their pinned chat limit will need to subscribe. Users who are satisfied with the current limit of 3 pinned chats can continue using the app without any changes.
WhatsApp is working on a premium feature to choose new ringtones
WhatsApp is developing a feature that lets users choose a new ringtone. With the current version, users can already choose a different ringtone when they receive a call. Subscribing to the premium plan will give users access to additional ringtones. Each ringtone has its own distinctive style. As a result, users will be able to personalize their calling notifications with sounds that reflect different moods. New ringtones available exclusively for WhatsApp will help users distinguish their call notifications from those of other apps more easily. However, these ringtones cannot be used for message notifications, as they are exclusively designed for calls within the app.
WhatsApp launches suggestions to find and send new stickers
The WhatsApp for iOS 26.8.75 update lets users get suggestions for new stickers as they type an emoji. After typing an emoji in the chat bar, WhatsApp shows a small preview of the first matching sticker. If users tap this preview, WhatsApp will display a limited number of third-party stickers from a sticker provider. If users want to view a higher number of stickers, they can tap on "See more results". In this new section, users can discover over 100 new stickers.
WhatsApp is rolling out redesigned filters and recent chat searches
The WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.8.10.72 update allows users to locate their messages through a revamped interface. WhatsApp is now adopting filters in a horizontal view that offers a more modern appearance. The updated design replaces the previous vertical list with a more compact and modern layout. The search interface also highlights recent searches now. This feature helps users locate their chats and groups they've recently searched for. Recent searches always appear in a dedicated section at the top of the search screen. However, users are always in control over their searches, as it is possible to clear them at any time.
Stay tuned with us to discover new features and updates about WhatsApp coming your way next week. We will continue tracking all the latest beta releases, improvements, and bug fixes so you never miss a thing. Make sure to check back regularly and stay ahead with the newest ways to enhance your WhatsApp experience.
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