WhatsApp to bring sleek new chat bubble design to Android
What's the story
WhatsApp has released a new beta version for Android, 2.26.10.2, via the Google Play Beta Program. The update comes with an interesting feature that gives message bubbles a softer design to create a more modern chat experience. The refreshed design is currently available to select beta testers and will be rolled out to more users in the coming days.
User feedback
Update is available on the Google Play Store
The latest update, WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.10.2, is now available on the Google Play Store. Some beta testers have already reported seeing the refreshed message bubble layout in their chats after installing this version. The change comes as part of a broader effort by WhatsApp to modernize its interface and improve user experience with more visually appealing elements like rounded corners and pill-shaped bubbles for messages.
Design evolution
How do the new chat bubbles look?
The previous design of chat bubbles had angular corners that made the interface look blocky. Messages were shorter and more rectangular, giving a compact feel to conversations. However, with the latest beta update, WhatsApp has introduced a refreshed design for chat bubbles. The new shape applies uniformly across all types of messages, text, images, polls or events, making the interface feel softer and more contemporary.
Multimedia update
Changes in multimedia messages
The most notable change with the new design comes for multimedia content. Images and videos no longer appear within a traditional bubble frame but as bubbles themselves, following the same fully rounded style. However, there's an exception for multimedia messages received in groups or forwarded ones where WhatsApp still shows a small bubble section at the top with sender name and forwarding information if applicable.
User impact
Why does it matter?
The new design makes conversations look more modern and aesthetically pleasing, giving users a cleaner interface. The fully rounded bubbles create a softer, less cluttered look, making it easier to read and scroll through chats. Multimedia messages stand out more naturally now, creating an integrated feel rather than confined. This could make messaging more enjoyable for users in the long run.