Overview
- WhatsApp has started rolling out a redesigned message animation to a subset of iOS beta testers in TestFlight on build 26.24.10.70, replacing the earlier instant-appearance behavior with a fade-and-scale effect.
- For the first time on iOS, the app includes a dedicated control at Settings > Chats > Animations that lets users disable message animations separately from emoji, sticker, and GIF animations.
- The iOS test follows an Android beta change made about a week earlier and mirrors that platform’s behavior and settings path, reducing cross-platform inconsistency for people who switch devices.
- The feature is limited to select beta accounts and may expand in the coming weeks, but WhatsApp has not announced a public release date or a firm rollout schedule.
- The toggle responds to accessibility concerns because motion effects can cause discomfort for some users, and broader beta testing will let WhatsApp collect feedback before any stable release.