WhatsApp Liquid Glass Design Now Rolling Out To More iOS Users, How to Get the New iPhone Look (And When Android Gets It)WhatsApp is finally bringing the complete Liquid Glass experience to the chat interface for iOS users, with the update rolling out via version 26.35.72. The redesign introduces translucent, floating elements to the chat bar, navigation bar, message bubbles, and context menus, creating a modern interface that adapts to content behind it. The update arrives ahead of Apple's iOS 27 launch on September 14.WhatsApp is finally completing its Liquid Glass transformation for iOS users, bringing the full design language to the chat interface where users spend most of their time. The update, available through WhatsApp for iOS version 26.35.72 on the App Store, introduces consistent translucent, glass-like elements throughout the messaging experience.Key HighlightsAbout The AuthorI love telling stories about technology that actually matter. I enjoy going beyond specs and buzzwords to understand how tech is changing the way we live, work and connect. I started my journalism journey in 2015, and over the years, I’ve learned that the best tech stories are not always about the newest gadget, but about why it matters to you.Full Liquid Glass design now rolling out via WhatsApp for iOS 26.35.72Chat bar, navigation bar, message bubbles, and menus now feature translucent glass-like designUpdate extends to both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business for a consistent experienceMessage bubbles feature rounder corners and frameless media displayRollout is gradual; some users may need to wait for the updateRedesign timed ahead of Apple's iOS 27 launch on September 14While WhatsApp began rolling out Liquid Glass design to the tab bar and other interface elements in earlier updates, the actual conversation screen retained the older design. This latest update closes that gap, ensuring the entire app now reflects Apple's modern design philosophy with floating elements, transparency effects, and adaptive visuals that respond to content behind them.Update Details:Version: WhatsApp for iOS 26.35.72Availability: Rolling out via App StoreStatus: Gradual rollout to usersAlso affects: WhatsApp Business appMore articles by AuthorTrending StoriesWhat Is Liquid Glass Design?Liquid Glass is Apple's design language introduced with iOS 26, featuring semi-transparent elements that create depth through dynamic transparency and fluid animations. The design adapts to content behind interface elements, creating a layered, modern aesthetic that feels more integrated with the overall system.For WhatsApp, this means moving away from solid-coloured interface elements to floating, translucent components that allow the conversation content and wallpaper to subtly show through, creating visual depth without sacrificing readability.Chat Bar Gets Floating Glass TreatmentThe chat input bar now floats above the conversation with a translucent, glass-like background that reflects and refracts whatever content sits behind it. This design closely mirrors the chat bar users already know from Apple's native iMessage app.The button that allows users to jump to the latest message in a conversation also receives the same Liquid Glass treatment, creating visual consistency throughout the chat interface. The floating design creates a sense of depth and separation from the message content below.Transparent Navigation BarAt the top of the chat screen, the navigation bar is now transparent rather than solid. On iOS 26, the bar allows the wallpaper and messages to faintly show through with a subtle fade effect that maintains content legibility.This transparent navigation bar works on iOS 26 and will remain compatible with Liquid Glass refinements coming in iOS 27, where Apple is adding an automatic uniform layer behind navigation bars when content scrolls beneath them.Reaction Tray and Context Menus UpdatedWhen users tap and hold a message, both the reaction tray and context menu now appear with the same translucent, glass-like background. The conversation remains visible behind these elements, eliminating the traditional blur effect in favour of true transparency.Both the reaction tray and context menu automatically adapt to light mode and dark mode, maintaining consistency with the updated chat bar and navigation bar throughout the interface.Rounder, More Modern Message BubblesBeyond translucency, WhatsApp has refreshed the message bubbles themselves. The latest update introduces more rounded corners, giving the chat screen a softer, more contemporary appearance.Photos, videos, and GIFs no longer display the traditional border around them. Media now appears frameless within the conversation, contributing to a cleaner, more modern aesthetic that aligns with current design trends.Why the Timing Matters: iOS 27 ApproachesWhatsApp's completion of the Liquid Glass transition comes just before Apple's official iOS 27 launch on September 14. The timing is strategic, ensuring WhatsApp users experience the full modernised interface before the new operating system arrives.iOS 27 brings important refinements to the Liquid Glass design language, and WhatsApp's proactive update ensures compatibility and visual consistency from day one. Users on iOS 26 who have not yet seen the full Liquid Glass interface should receive the update soon, as WhatsApp expands the rollout ahead of the operating system launch.Gradual Rollout Means Patience RequiredAlthough the update is available on the App Store, WhatsApp is employing a gradual rollout strategy. This means not all users will see the new design immediately after updating.If the chat interface still appears unchanged after installing version 26.35.72, the full Liquid Glass experience will become available to the account soon. WhatsApp typically completes these phased rollouts within days to weeks, depending on server-side activation.WhatsApp Business Also Receives UpdateThe Liquid Glass redesign extends to WhatsApp Business as well, ensuring both versions of the app maintain visual consistency. Business users will receive the same floating chat bar, transparent navigation, updated reaction trays, and modernised message bubbles.This unified approach prevents fragmentation between personal and business messaging experiences on iOS.When Will Android Users Get the Liquid Glass Look?Android users will not receive the "Liquid Glass" design, as it is a proprietary design language built exclusively for Apple's iOS ecosystem. Android devices rely on Google's Material You (Material 3) design system, which handles transparency, rounded corners, and dynamic theming differently.However, WhatsApp has a strong track record of maintaining visual parity between its iOS and Android applications. While the exact timeline remains unconfirmed by Meta, Android users can expect a similar visual modernisation in the future. Historically, WhatsApp takes between six to twelve months to adapt major iOS interface overhauls for the Android platform.What This Means for UsersThe complete Liquid Glass rollout represents WhatsApp's commitment to maintaining visual parity with Apple's design direction. For iOS users, this creates a more cohesive experience that feels native to the platform.The translucent elements and floating design create visual interest without compromising functionality. Message readability remains intact despite the transparency effects, and the adaptive design responds intelligently to different content types and wallpaper choices.Android users, however, remain excluded from this particular design language, as Liquid Glass is specific to Apple's iOS ecosystem. WhatsApp has not announced equivalent design updates for the Android platform. FAQsWhat is the Liquid Glass design update in WhatsApp for iOS?The Liquid Glass design update in WhatsApp for iOS, introduced in version 26.35.72, features consistent translucent, glass-like elements throughout the messaging interface, enhancing the overall visual appeal and user experience.How does the Liquid Glass design affect message bubbles in WhatsApp?The Liquid Glass design refreshes message bubbles with rounder corners and a frameless appearance for photos, videos, and GIFs, providing a softer, more contemporary look that aligns with modern design trends.Is the Liquid Glass update available for WhatsApp Business users?Yes, the Liquid Glass redesign also extends to WhatsApp Business, ensuring both personal and business versions of the app maintain visual consistency with the new floating chat bar, transparent navigation, and updated elements.What is the Liquid Glass design in WhatsApp for iOS?The Liquid Glass design is Apple's design language featuring semi-transparent elements that create depth and fluid animations, aimed at providing a modern aesthetic that integrates with the overall system. In WhatsApp, it means a transition to translucent components, allowing conversation content and wallpapers to subtly show through.Which version of WhatsApp introduces the Liquid Glass transformation?The Liquid Glass transformation is introduced in WhatsApp for iOS version 26.35.72, which is available for download on the App Store.Will WhatsApp Business users receive the Liquid Glass design update?Yes, WhatsApp Business users will receive the same Liquid Glass redesign, ensuring visual consistency between personal and business messaging apps on iOS.What is the new Liquid Glass design introduced in WhatsApp for iOS?The new Liquid Glass design is a modern aesthetic introduced in WhatsApp for iOS version 26.35.72, featuring translucent, glass-like elements that create a layered look with depth and transparency. This design allows conversation content and wallpapers to subtly show through, enhancing the overall messaging experience.How does the Liquid Glass design affect the WhatsApp chat interface?The Liquid Glass design introduces a floating chat input bar, a transparent navigation bar, updated reaction trays, and modernized message bubbles with rounded corners. These changes provide a cohesive and visually appealing interface that aligns with Apple's design language.When will the Liquid Glass update be available to all users?The Liquid Glass update is being rolled out gradually. Not all users will see the new design immediately after updating to version 26.35.72. If the chat interface appears unchanged, the full experience will be available soon, typically within days to weeks.READ NEXT ARTICLE