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WhatsApp Tests Notification Bubbles on Android

Floating icons would open a compact chat window for quick replies without leaving the current app.

Overview

  • WABetaInfo reports the feature is in development for Android and not yet available to beta users, with GSMArena echoing the finding.
  • Incoming messages would appear as floating bubbles that show a contact or group photo with a small WhatsApp badge.
  • Tapping a bubble would open a small chat view that lets people read and reply without launching the full app, aiding multitasking.
  • The feature uses Android’s bubble system introduced in Android 10 with more reliable behavior on Android 11 and newer, so support will vary by device settings and OS version.
  • WhatsApp plans a gradual rollout to select beta testers before a wider release, with a toggle to turn bubbles off if users prefer.