WhatsApp Revives Message Animations on iPhone via TestFlight Beta

WhatsApp released a TestFlight beta for iPhone (version iOS 26.24.10.70) that restores animated message bubbles removed in an earlier iOS update. The new animation gradually appears and expands slightly as it settles into the conversation, replacing the prior static display. A toggle in settings lets users disable the animation.

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Earlier, WhatsApp eliminated the original iOS animation, causing messages to appear without visual transition. WABetaInfo reported the removal, noting that the animation had previously been removed. The change left iOS users with a static message display until the current beta reintroduced the feature.

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The beta, distributed via TestFlight, is limited to a small tester pool. The animation differs from the earlier effect that simply popped into place, using a fade-in and slight scaling motion. Settings now include an option to turn the animation on or off, giving users direct control over visual behavior of messages.

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Testing continues on iOS and Android, but the iOS animation is currently limited to the TestFlight cohort. The source notes “there is no word on when they will roll out publicly,” yet suggests an official launch “may not be that far off” given parallel testing. No public release timeline has been announced.

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WhatsApp’s beta shows the company intends to restore a dynamic messaging experience on iPhone while offering a user-controlled setting to manage the effect. The animation can be enabled for visual feedback or disabled for a static interface, depending on user preference.

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• “From WABetaInfo: WhatsApp removed this animation from the iOS app in a previous update.” — 9to5Mac article

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• “Message animations coming back to WhatsApp As spotted by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working to bring back message animations on iOS.” — 9to5Mac article

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• “simply popping into place,” — 9to5Mac article

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• “now fades in while slightly scaling up as it settles into the conversation with the new animation.” — 9to5Mac article

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• “There is no word on when they will roll out publicly, but with testing now underway on both iOS and Android, an official launch may not be that far off.” — 9to5Mac article

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Future updates may bring the animation to all iPhone users, as the source suggests an official launch may not be far off. Monitoring beta performance and user feedback will likely shape the timing and scope of any broader rollout.

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