WhatsApp to test Liquid Glass design for reactions and messages

WhatsApp is working on aligning the reaction tray and the context menu for messages with the Liquid Glass design. The update will introduce more translucent effects and a more cohesive visual appearance across the interface.

WhatsApp is testing Liquid Glass design for the chat interface

In the post about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.17.10.70 update, we announced a Liquid Glass-compatible design for the chat interface. With this feature, WhatsApp is working on making the app fully aligned with the Liquid Glass design language. It includes a redesigned chat bar with translucent, glass-like material that dynamically reflects and refracts what is behind it. Additionally, the navigation bar will become transparent as part of this project. This means that more elements of the interface throughout the app will visually blend with the background.

WhatsApp to expand Liquid Glass design across the interface

Over the past few weeks, we've seen WhatsApp working to bring the new design to more elements of the interface. WhatsApp is committed to introducing additional visual updates across for a more consistent experience. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.18.10.70 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 message reaction tray and context menu.

Reaction tray and message context menu are inconsistent with Liquid Glass

The attached screenshot shows that WhatsApp is working on new updates for Liquid Glass. Specifically, for the reaction tray and the context menu for messages. Currently, the reaction tray features a more solid and opaque appearance. Although the context menu has already been refreshed with the Liquid Glass design in the chat list, the context menu for messages uses a simpler background style with limited transparency effects. As a result, these elements still appear visually inconsistent with other parts of the app that have already adopted the new design language.

WhatsApp to bring Liquid Glass design to reaction tray

In a future update, WhatsApp will introduce new refinements for Liquid Glass. WhatsApp will update the interface for the reaction tray. By tapping on a message, WhatsApp reveals the reaction tray. It allows users to react to a message using an emoji. Instead of showing a solid appearance, the reaction tray will be updated with a more translucent effect that better matches the Liquid Glass design language already introduced in other parts of the app. This update also affects the more button, which allows users to react to messages with emojis beyond the default set.

WhatsApp to introduce Liquid Glass interface to context menu

WhatsApp will also bring the Liquid Glass design to the context menu within conversations. When users select a message, the context menu will feature a more translucent appearance with layered transparency effects that better align with the updated interface style. The menu will look lighter and more visually integrated with the chat background instead of using a solid color. However, it appears that there is still no blur effect applied to the entire conversation when the context menu is opened. It is unclear whether this is a temporary implementation or if WhatsApp plans to introduce a full background blur in a later stage of the redesign.

Liquid Glass still depends on UI refinements before another rollout

WhatsApp is working on several updates that make the app more consistent with the Liquid Glass design language. We have already reported that the entire conversation interface will be compatible with Liquid Glass in the future. In addition, the voice note player outside of chats will receive a similar visual refresh. It is likely that WhatsApp is waiting for all these elements to be fully ready before another rollout. This means that WhatsApp aims to offer a more complete and unified Liquid Glass experience.

Liquid Glass for reactions and context menu is under development on iOS

The feature that brings the Liquid Glass design to the message reaction tray and context menu is currently under development, and it will be available in a future update. WhatsApp is refining the interface to ensure it meets the same visual consistency and design quality standards already introduced in other parts of the app. Once testing is complete, WhatsApp will gradually rollout the new reaction tray and context menu to select beta testers.

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