WhatsApp introduces a cleaner new look with rounder message bubbles and borderless media

Developers at WhatsApp are continuing to gradually refresh the messenger’s visual design. This time, the changes focus on the chat interface itself: message bubbles are becoming noticeably rounder, while photos, videos, and GIFs are getting a cleaner and more modern presentation.

According to WABetaInfo, the updated interface is already being tested in the iOS beta version of the app (26.18.10.71), distributed through TestFlight. Similar design changes had previously appeared in the Android beta as well.

What’s changing in chats

The most noticeable update is the redesign of message bubbles, which now feature much softer and more rounded corners. The result is a lighter, more modern-looking interface with a smoother visual flow. While WhatsApp messages on iOS already have slightly rounded edges, the new version pushes the style much further, making it resemble iMessage more closely.

Another major change affects multimedia content. Photos, videos, and GIFs will now appear without the traditional frame surrounding the message bubble. Instead, media elements blend more naturally into the conversation feed, giving chats a cleaner and more minimalist appearance.

At the same time, important context indicators remain intact:

• group chats still display the sender’s name above media files
• forwarded messages continue to show the “Forwarded” label

When the update could arrive

For now, the redesign remains in active testing. Once the beta phase is complete, WhatsApp is expected to roll it out gradually—first to a wider group of beta users and later to the general public.

Meta, which owns WhatsApp, traditionally tests visual changes separately on Android and iOS to adapt them to the design language of each platform. Based on previous rollout patterns, the updated interface could reach all users within the next few months.

In brief

WhatsApp is testing a redesigned chat interface for both Android and iOS. Message bubbles are becoming much rounder, while photos, videos, and GIFs are displayed without visible borders, creating a cleaner and more modern look. The redesign makes the app feel lighter and visually closer to Apple’s iMessage style. The updated interface is already available in the iOS beta version 26.18.10.71 and had previously appeared in Android testing builds.