WhatsApp expands Liquid Glass design to iOS message menus

WhatsApp is expanding its use of the Liquid Glass design language within its iOS application. Currently being tested by select users via TestFlight, the update introduces a more translucent appearance to the message context menu and reaction tray.

Unlike previous versions that utilized a heavy blur effect, the new Liquid Glass interface allows the underlying chat content to remain visible through the menus. This creates a more integrated visual experience where the menus feel like a continuation of the interface rather than separate layers. The design adapts to both Light Mode and Dark Mode, adjusting transparency and tones to match the user's iPhone settings.

This rollout follows earlier implementations of the design in WhatsApp's chat bar and navigation sections. The Liquid Glass aesthetic, originally introduced by Apple for iOS 26, uses dynamic materials that reflect and refract surrounding light. While the visual layer has changed, the core functionality for replying to, copying, or reacting to messages remains identical for users.