WhatsApp is rolling out a new chat theme update for iPhone users that adds five categories, including animated wallpapers that move slowly behind conversations. The new options give users more control over how individual chats look while keeping message text clear and easy to read.
The update introduces Featured, Nature, Live, Minimal, and Doodle categories, expanding the theme picker beyond the options WhatsApp previously tested. The feature is appearing for some users running WhatsApp for iOS version 26.33.73 from the App Store, although availability remains limited during the gradual rollout.
WABetaInfo reports that WhatsApp recently started making the five categories available after references to a smaller selection appeared in earlier beta versions.
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Live themes bring animated backgrounds to WhatsApp
The Live category introduces wallpapers with slow background animations designed to add movement without distracting users while they read messages. WhatsApp places a small Live icon on these themes, making animated options easier to identify when they also appear inside the Featured section.
Nature includes outdoor scenes such as mountains, forests, and ocean landscapes, while Minimal uses plain white or dark backgrounds depending on the iPhone’s appearance setting. Doodle keeps WhatsApp’s familiar patterned wallpaper, while Featured includes themes selected by WhatsApp’s design team.
WhatsApp also automatically chooses a matching chat bubble color when users select a theme, helping maintain enough contrast between messages and the wallpaper. Users can still change the bubble color manually if they prefer another option.
The new themes are currently reaching some App Store and beta users, so updating WhatsApp does not guarantee immediate access. WhatsApp is expected to expand availability gradually over the coming weeks.
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