WhatsApp Integrates Liquid Glass Design Into Video Player

Ender Öztürk

October 6, 2026

WhatsApp has officially begun rolling out a highly anticipated update to its video player on the iOS platform, introducing the modern Liquid Glass design language. Debuting in the WhatsApp beta version 26.39.10.70, this interface overhaul provides the video player with a sleek, semi-transparent progress bar that aligns perfectly with contemporary Apple design standards. By enhancing the visual continuity across the application, WhatsApp aims to offer a more immersive media experience for its users. This update is currently being distributed through TestFlight to select beta testers, ensuring that the refined aesthetic transitions smoothly between light and dark modes.

The Video Player Receives a Visual Overhaul

The company has largely finalized its transition to Apple’s updated design guidelines across various core components of the messaging application. Following extensive adjustments to chat lists, navigation bars, and message bubbles, the development team has now focused its efforts on the media playback experience. By moving away from traditional design constraints, the new interface features a floating, semi-transparent progress bar with rounded corners positioned at the top of the screen. This shift ensures that the media viewing process remains consistent with the modern, minimalist identity of the application.

The Update Covers All Apple Platforms

WhatsApp is not limiting this visual refresh to iPhone users alone. The development team has integrated the Liquid Glass aesthetic into the iPad and Mac versions of the application as well, fostering a unified visual language across the entire Apple ecosystem. Previous optimizations for larger screens, such as tablets and desktop computers, are now further refined by this consistent approach to media playback. Users can now expect a cohesive viewing experience regardless of the specific device they choose for their communication needs.

The Underlying System Logic Changes

The implementation of the Liquid Glass design language introduces dynamic responsiveness based on the user’s lighting environment. In light mode, the progress bar appears as a crisp, white, semi-transparent layer, while it shifts to darker, softer tones when the application is set to dark mode to reduce eye strain. Beyond the progress bar, the control elements located at the bottom of the screen have also received corresponding visual updates. These minor refinements significantly elevate the professional quality and aesthetic appeal of the overall WhatsApp user interface.

The Beta Deployment Strategy Continues

At present, access to this feature remains restricted to participants in the TestFlight beta program, and the rollout is being conducted in a gradual manner. WhatsApp is utilizing this phased approach to identify and mitigate potential technical issues before a wider release. Users currently enrolled in the beta program who have not yet observed these changes should monitor their device for upcoming update packages in the following days. A specific release date for the stable version has not yet been established by the company.

How do you feel about the new Liquid Glass design language integrated into the WhatsApp video player? We would love to hear if these visual adjustments have improved your media viewing experience, so please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.