WhatsApp is testing a new message animation feature for iPhone users. The feature is currently available to some users who are part of the WhatsApp beta program on iOS through Apple’s TestFlight platform.
According to reports, the feature is included in WhatsApp beta version 26.24.10.70 and is being released gradually. More beta users are expected to receive it in the coming weeks before it becomes available to everyone.
What Is the New Message Animation?
The new feature changes the way messages appear in chats.
Previously, messages would instantly appear on the screen after being sent or received. With the new update, message bubbles now appear more smoothly with a small animation effect.
When a message arrives:
- The message bubble gently fades in.
- It slightly grows in size.
- It then settles into place within the conversation.
This creates a more modern and polished look while making chats feel smoother and more interactive.
WhatsApp Brings Back a Removed Feature
Interestingly, this is not the first time WhatsApp has experimented with message animations on iPhones.
The company had introduced a similar feature in the past but later removed it. Many users believed the previous version lacked customization options and was not suitable for everyone.
The new version has been redesigned to provide a better visual experience and address earlier user concerns.
Users Can Now Turn Animations On or Off
One of the biggest improvements in the latest update is the addition of a dedicated setting that allows users to control message animations.
Users can manage the feature by going to:
Settings > Chats > Animations
Inside this section, WhatsApp now offers a separate option for message animations.
This means users can:
- Enable message animations
- Disable message animations whenever they want
This gives people more control over how the app looks and behaves.
Why Is This Option Important?
The ability to disable animations is important because not everyone enjoys motion effects.
Some users prefer a simpler experience without extra visual effects. Others may find animations distracting while chatting.
There are also people who are sensitive to motion effects and may feel uncomfortable with too many moving elements on the screen.
In the previous version of the feature, users had no way to turn the animations off. Many observers believe this was one of the reasons WhatsApp eventually removed the feature from iPhones.
Now, by providing an on/off switch, WhatsApp is making the feature more flexible and user-friendly.
Similar Feature Already Available on Android
WhatsApp has already introduced similar message animations for Android users.
Android users can also manage the feature through the app’s settings.
By bringing the same functionality to iOS, WhatsApp is creating a more consistent experience across both major mobile platforms.
This is especially useful for people who use both Android phones and iPhones, as the app will now behave similarly on both devices.
More Animation Controls Already Exist
The new message animation setting joins other animation options already available in WhatsApp.
Users can currently control:
- Emoji animations
- Sticker animations
- GIF animations
Now, message animations have their own separate control, giving users even more customization options.
When Will Everyone Get the Feature?
At the moment, the feature is only available to a limited number of iPhone beta testers.
WhatsApp has not officially announced when it will release the feature to all users.
The company is first collecting feedback from beta testers to ensure the feature works properly and does not cause any issues.
If testing goes well, the feature could eventually be included in a future stable update for all iPhone users.
Final Verdict
WhatsApp is bringing back message animations for iPhone users with a much improved design. Messages now appear with a smooth fade-in effect and subtle movement, making chats look more modern and visually appealing.
The biggest improvement is the new option that lets users turn message animations on or off whenever they want. This gives users more control over their experience and solves one of the main problems with the previous version.
For now, the feature is being tested with a small group of beta users, but if the testing process is successful, it is likely to become available to all WhatsApp users on iOS in a future update.
