WhatsApp Introduces New Message Animations for iOS Beta Users

WhatsApp is rolling out a redesigned message animation feature for iOS users enrolled in its beta program, bringing a smoother messaging experience and, for the first time, giving users the option to disable the effect.

According to WABetaInfo, the new feature is available to select testers using WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.24.10.70 through Apple’s TestFlight platform. According to reports, the animation is being gradually released and is expected to reach more beta users in the coming weeks.

The update reintroduces message animations to iOS after WhatsApp previously removed a similar feature from the platform. Unlike the earlier version, the new animation offers a more refined visual effect. Instead of messages appearing instantly, message bubbles now fade in while subtly scaling up before settling into the conversation, creating a smoother and more polished user experience.

WhatsApp Introduces New Message Animations for iOS Beta Users

One of the most notable additions is a dedicated control option within the app’s settings. Users can now enable or disable message animations by navigating to Settings > Chats > Animations. The section already includes controls for emoji, sticker, and GIF animations, and now adds a separate toggle specifically for message animations.

The introduction of this setting addresses a key limitation of the previous implementation. When WhatsApp first launched message animations on iOS, users had no option to turn them off. For some individuals, particularly those sensitive to motion effects, the animations could be distracting or uncomfortable. Industry observers believe this lack of user control may have contributed to WhatsApp’s decision to remove the feature in an earlier update.

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By bringing back message animations alongside a dedicated toggle, WhatsApp aims to offer a more customizable experience while accommodating different user preferences.

The update also helps align the user experience between iOS and Android devices. WhatsApp recently introduced similar message animations on Android, where users can already manage the feature through the app’s settings. With both platforms now offering comparable visual effects and controls, the messaging experience becomes more consistent for users who switch between Android smartphones and iPhones.

WhatsApp has not yet announced when the feature will become available in the stable version of the app. However, the company is currently testing the animation with a limited group of beta users before a broader rollout.