WhatsApp is rolling out a new message animation on iOS
WhatsApp is rolling out a new message animation for the iOS beta version, replacing the one removed some time ago. Instead of just appearing, the message bubble now fades in while slightly scaling up as it settles into the conversation. For the first time, users will also be able to turn this animation off from the Chats settings.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Message animations |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.24.10.70 is a compatible update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Sc, Thales, and IgnacioAF, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp launches a green dot for online contacts on Android! |
WhatsApp brought message sending animations to Android
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.23.11 update, we announced new animations for messages. With this feature, the message bubble no longer appears instantly. Instead, it fades in smoothly. Android users can control the animation directly from the app settings. The same setting also let users check whether the feature is available to their account.
WhatsApp is now bringing the animation back to iOS in a new form
WhatsApp removed this animation from the iOS app in a previous update. Since then, messages have appeared without any effect at all. Finally, WhatsApp is now reintroducing message animations on iOS, but with a different style and a dedicated setting this time. We discovered the news after installing the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.24.10.70 update, which is available on TestFlight. Specifically, WhatsApp is rolling out a new animation for messages to some beta testers.
How the new message animation works on WhatsApp for iOS
With the latest update, WhatsApp is introducing a new animation when the user sends and receives new messages. Instead of the previous effect, the message bubble now fades in while slightly scaling up as it settles into the conversation. Compared to the message simply popping into place, this feels noticeably smoother. Additionally, it replaces the original animation entirely, rather than being offered as an alternative style.
Users can now control the animation from the Chats settings
For the first time on WhatsApp for iOS, users can manage this animation directly from the app settings. The option is available within WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Animations, where users can control animations for emojis, stickers, and GIFs. In this section, WhatsApp is also introducing a dedicated toggle for message animations. This is the same path where Android users can find the option, making it easier for users who use different devices to find it. Users who find the animation distracting can simply turn it off from this screen.
Why WhatsApp may have removed the animation the first time
When WhatsApp introduced message animations on iOS, users could not disable them. Motion effects like this one can cause discomfort for some users, particularly those sensitive to visual motion. Without a way to turn it off, WhatsApp likely decided to remove the animation altogether rather than leave users without an option. Now, WhatsApp added a dedicated toggle to avoid repeating that same issue.
Message animations bring iOS closer to the Android experience
With this update, the experience with message animations becomes more consistent between iOS and Android. Both platforms now offer a similar effect when the user sends or receives a message, along with the same way to control it. The setting is also available under the same path on both platforms. For users who switch between an iPhone and an Android device, the experience now feels less inconsistent.
WhatsApp is rolling out the new message animation to iOS beta testers
The new animation for messages is available to some beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS update from TestFlight. WhatsApp is currently testing this feature with a limited number of users, so it may not be visible to everyone yet. If you do not see this animation after updating the app, it should become available in the coming weeks. WhatsApp has not announced an official timeline for the stable release, but we expect it to be available to more users soon.
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