WhatsApp is testing a new update for iPhone users that brings back message animations, along with a dedicated setting that lets users turn the feature on or off. The change is currently available to a limited number of beta testers through TestFlight and gives users more control over how messages appear inside chats.
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp removed message animations from the iOS app in an earlier update, which meant that messages appeared instantly without any visual effect. With the latest beta version, the company is introducing a redesigned animation that makes conversations feel more dynamic while still giving users the option to disable it if they prefer a simpler experience.
WABetaInfo reports that the new animation no longer makes messages simply appear in the chat window. Instead, message bubbles now fade in while slightly increasing in size before settling into place within the conversation. The effect is subtle and aims to make message delivery look smoother.
The new Messages animation toggle appears under Settings > Chats > Animations. Users will find it alongside existing animation controls for Emoji, Stickers, and GIFs. This setup allows people to customize the visual experience based on their preferences.
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
- Tap Settings.
- Select Chats.
- Open Animations.
- Turn the Messages option on or off.
At the moment, the feature is only rolling out to a limited group of beta testers. However, WhatsApp has already started testing the same functionality on Android, which suggests the company is preparing for a wider release. While there is no official launch date yet, testing on both platforms indicates that the feature could arrive for all users in a future update.
