WhatsApp adds smooth transition effect to chat interface on iOS 27
Meta is adapting WhatsApp's iOS app to the brand new iOS 27. Recent test footage shows that a new transition effect will be coming to the app soon.
With iOS 27, iPhone, Mac, and iPad received a new Liquid Glass design. Following Apple's move, app developers have also begun adapting this design to their own apps. WhatsApp has integrated the Liquid Glass design into many parts of the application for iOS 27. Now, new test images reveal that the smooth transition effect is coming soon to iPhones.
WhatsApp is bringing back the smooth transition effect to the navigation bar in the chat interface for iOS 27 users. This feature, which began its update with WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.41.10.18, responds to user dissatisfaction with iOS 27's default sharp navigation bar.
The company's development team acted on rising complaints on social media. Because the harsh-lined navigation design that came with Apple's operating system update did not match WhatsApp's Liquid Glass design language, users wanted the old look to return.
User feedback forced the design change
After iOS 27 was released, a sharp boundary line appeared between the navigation bar and the chat list in WhatsApp. Messages would disappear suddenly when scrolled. This broke the app's previous modern and integrated look.
Users expressed this situation on social media platforms. Taking these requests into account, WhatsApp's development team decided to use the software flexibility offered by iOS 27. The result: The app's own smooth transition effect overrode the system default.
Messages will dissolve and disappear in a blur under the bar
The new transition effect creates a gradual blur under the navigation bar when messages are scrolled up on the chat screen. Instead of disappearing suddenly, messages dissolve gently, maintaining the overall aesthetic of the screen. This design choice makes the chat window appear as a single layer in both light and dark mode options.
As a result, WhatsApp achieves a more professional and modern look. This implementation of the Liquid Glass design language ensures visual consistency across all elements of the application.
Active only on the chat screen for now
The decision regarding the smooth transition effect is currently only visible in the chat interface. The settings, contacts, and other sections of the app still use iOS 27's default navigation bar style. There is no information yet regarding whether WhatsApp plans to extend this consistent design language throughout the entire application.
Users are waiting for the Liquid Glass design to spread across the entire application. Meta, on the other hand, is progressing this process quite rapidly for WhatsApp.
Beta testing is expanding gradually
The innovation in question is currently available to a limited audience using the beta version via TestFlight. Since WhatsApp distributes updates gradually, it may not be possible for all beta users to see the smooth transition immediately. If you still see the sharp navigation bar, it may be beneficial to update the application in the coming days.
An official release date has not yet been shared. However, thanks to positive user feedback, the feature is expected to be quickly transferred to the stable version.
This article was translated from Turkish. Read the original article in Turkish.
