WhatsApp introduces new message animation and username option, users react

Meta's WhatsApp added a subtle animation for sent messages on iOS, making bubbles swoop in from the right. Users reacted negatively, with comments such as “WhatsApp's new message delivery animation on iOS makes me wanna puke” and “the new animation takes years off my life.” The change can be turned off via Settings → Appearance → Animations → Messages.

At the same time, WhatsApp launched a username feature that lets people chat without sharing their phone numbers. Users can reserve a unique @username through Settings → Account → Username, with roll‑out occurring gradually worldwide and early reservations in the UK and parts of Europe. The feature is described as a core privacy measure by Alice Newton‑Rex, WhatsApp’s vice‑president of product: “We have designed this as a core privacy feature.” User guidance advises choosing memorable but non‑identifying usernames and avoiding personal details.

Both updates affect the platform’s three‑billion global user base and can be managed directly in the app’s settings.