WhatsApp Rolls Out New Rounded Message Bubbles on iOS

QUICK ANSWER: WhatsApp is rolling out a redesigned message bubble style on iOS with softer, more rounded corners and cleaner media previews. The update also removes traditional borders around photos, videos, GIFs, and link previews. It is reaching selected users through WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.29.10.70 on TestFlight, while some stable App Store users may also see it. WhatsApp has not confirmed a fixed global release date, and availability is expanding gradually.

WhatsApp Is Rolling Out New Message Bubbles on iOS

WhatsApp is giving its iPhone chat interface a fresh look. Selected iOS users are beginning to receive redesigned message bubbles with much rounder corners.

The change was spotted with WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.29.10.70 on TestFlight. WABetaInfo lists the feature as rolling out to some beta testers.

Unlike the current bubbles, the new version has a softer shape. The corners are more curved, making conversations look less rigid.

The change is primarily visual. Current reports do not indicate any change to normal message sending or receiving.

What Changed in WhatsApp Chats?

The most noticeable difference is the increased corner radius of message bubbles.

WhatsApp's existing iOS bubbles already have rounded edges. The new version takes that design further, giving messages a smoother appearance. WABetaInfo says the shape looks closer to the familiar bubble style used in iMessage.

The main changes include:

• More rounded text message bubbles

• Softer corners across conversations

• Frameless photos, videos, and GIFs

• Cleaner-looking link previews

The overall WhatsApp layout remains familiar. Users should mainly notice a cleaner visual style.

WhatsApp Gives Photos and Videos a Frameless Look

The redesign also changes how media appears inside conversations. Photos, videos, and GIFs no longer need the traditional surrounding bubble border.

Media still keeps a rounded shape. However, removing the outer frame allows it to sit more naturally inside a conversation.

9to5Mac also reports that the previous green outline around media and links has been removed in the new design.

Group Chats and Forwarded Messages Look Slightly Different

The frameless design does not apply identically to every message.

In group chats, WhatsApp can still show a header above media. This helps identify who sent the photo or video.

Forwarded media can also keep a header showing its forwarded status. Because that context remains necessary, those messages may only use the frameless design partially.

New WhatsApp Bubbles Match the Liquid Glass Design

The new bubbles also fit WhatsApp's broader Liquid Glass-inspired interface on iOS.

The softer message shape follows recent visual changes to WhatsApp's iPhone chat interface. 9to5Mac reports that the Liquid Glass redesign had already reached most WhatsApp users on iOS before this bubble update appeared.

For everyday users, the change is subtle but easy to notice.

Message bubbles dominate the chat screen. Making them rounder can therefore change the overall feel of WhatsApp without changing how the app works.

Who Can Get the New WhatsApp Message Bubbles?

The redesign is currently reaching some WhatsApp beta testers on iOS.

WABetaInfo identifies WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.29.10.70 as a compatible TestFlight build. The feature is not enabled for every beta tester at the same time.

Some Stable iPhone Users May Get the Design Too

Users do not necessarily need to be on TestFlight.

WABetaInfo says some people using the latest stable App Store version may also see the redesigned bubbles.

That means two iPhone users can run recent WhatsApp versions but still see different chat designs.

WhatsApp itself remains available globally through Apple's App Store and is used in more than 180 countries, according to its official App Store listing.

When Will the New WhatsApp Bubbles Reach Everyone?

There is no confirmed worldwide release date for every iOS user.

WABetaInfo says the redesign is expected to reach more accounts over the coming weeks. 9to5Mac also reports that no broader rollout date has been specified.

Why You May Not See the New Design Yet

Having the latest WhatsApp version does not guarantee immediate access.

The feature is being enabled gradually. Users may therefore receive the redesigned bubbles at different times.

The detailed rollout information currently comes from beta-focused reporting rather than a dedicated public WhatsApp announcement for this specific redesign.

What Should iPhone Users Do Now?

Keep WhatsApp updated through the App Store and wait for the redesign to reach your account.

TestFlight users should also keep their beta build current.

There is currently no reported manual setting that forces the new message bubble design to appear. Reinstalling WhatsApp is therefore unnecessary just to get this visual update.

Users who do not see the new bubbles yet simply need to wait as availability expands.

FAQs

Is WhatsApp changing message bubbles on iPhone?

Yes. WhatsApp is rolling out a redesigned bubble style to selected iOS users. The new bubbles have softer and more rounded corners.

What is different about the new WhatsApp message bubbles?

The bubbles are noticeably rounder. Photos, videos, GIFs, and link previews also receive a cleaner appearance with less surrounding framing.

Are the new WhatsApp bubbles available to everyone?

No. They are currently reaching selected beta testers, while some stable App Store users may also receive the design gradually.

When will everyone get the new WhatsApp bubbles?

No fixed global date has been confirmed. Current reporting says the redesign should become available to more accounts over the coming weeks.

Is the rounded WhatsApp bubble design available on Android?

Yes, a similar redesign previously reached some WhatsApp beta users on Android. Android testing included rounder bubbles and frameless media before the latest iOS rollout.

Sources

• 9to5Mac — July 24, 2026: Independent coverage of the redesigned bubbles and Liquid Glass connection.

• Apple App Store: Official WhatsApp Messenger listing and global availability information.