This week, WhatsApp introduced several significant updates: pinned message notifications for iOS, media previews in the chat list, the ability to add options to polls, AI-powered photo expansion to 9:16 format, new Liquid Glass elements for the drawing editor and video player, and animated emoji reactions.
Table of Contents
Pinned Message Notifications
WhatsApp is bringing pinned message notifications to iOS, informing users about important messages without them needing to open the chat.
How it works
When someone pins a message, WhatsApp sends a notification with the label “Pinned:” followed by the message content. Tapping the notification opens the chat with the pinned message highlighted. Notifications are not sent for pinned messages in muted chats. The feature works in both individual and group chats. The behavior is identical to the Android version.
Why it’s needed
Previously, users could miss a pinned message if they didn’t open the chat for several days. The notification ensures that everyone learns about important information immediately after it’s pinned.
Status
The feature is available to some iOS users in the App Store version. Gradual rollout.
Media Previews in the Chat List
WhatsApp is adding thumbnails for photos, videos, and stickers directly in the chat list, allowing users to see the content of the latest media without opening the conversation.
How it works
When the last message in a chat is a photo, video, or sticker, a thumbnail of the content appears next to the type label (“Photo,” “Video,” “Sticker”). The thumbnail is compactly integrated into the existing layout. The preview allows users to quickly identify what was sent without opening the chat. The feature works for all media types.
Why it’s needed
Previously, all media displayed the same way — simply as “Photo” or “Video.” There was no way to tell what exactly was sent without opening the chat. Thumbnails save time and make the chat list more informative.
Status
The feature is available to some Android beta testers. Gradual rollout.
Adding Options to Polls
WhatsApp is developing the ability for poll creators to allow group members to add their own answer options.
How it works
A toggle will appear in the poll creation screen, allowing other participants to add their own options. If the creator enables the option, members can suggest their own choices after the poll is published. If the option is disabled, the poll works as usual — only the creator can set the options. The feature is disabled by default — creators must turn it on manually.
Why it’s needed
In large groups, the best options might not occur to the creator. The ability to add options makes polls more representative and reflects the group’s collective opinion. Useful for planning events where everyone’s preferences need to be considered.
Status
The feature is in development for Android. A release is expected in a future update.
AI-Powered Photo Expansion to 9:16 Format
WhatsApp is developing a feature that allows users to expand images to the vertical 9:16 format using Meta AI.
How it works
A new photo expansion option will appear in the drawing editor. Meta AI analyzes the image and generates additional content around the edges to fill the vertical format. The process takes a few seconds. The expanded photo can be sent directly to a chat or published as a status. The feature works in the drawing editor for both chats and statuses (phased rollout possible).
Why it’s needed
The 9:16 format is the standard for vertical full-screen content in statuses. Square or landscape photos get cropped when published as a status. Expansion adds content instead of cropping, preserving important details.
Status
The feature is in development for Android. A release is expected in a future update.
Liquid Glass for Drawing Editor and Video Player
WhatsApp continues adapting the interface to Liquid Glass, updating the drawing editor and video player on iOS.
How it works
Buttons in the drawing editor (add text, draw, stickers, etc.) will receive a translucent, glass-like appearance matching the Liquid Glass style. The progress bar in the video player will also be updated to align with Liquid Glass. The changes affect only the visual design, not functionality.
Why it’s needed
Completes WhatsApp’s transition to the unified Liquid Glass design language across all app screens. The drawing editor and video player were the last elements without Liquid Glass support. The update makes the interface fully consistent with iOS 26.
Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.
Animated Emoji Reactions
WhatsApp is expanding animated emoji support to message reactions.
How it works
When a reaction is sent using an animated emoji, a short animation plays. The animation plays once, after which the emoji remains static. The feature is enabled by default. Users can disable animations in settings (Settings → Chats → Animations). Currently supported emojis include: Thumbs Up, Red Heart, Face with Tears of Joy, and Folded Hands. Future additions will include Fire, Two Hearts, Smiling Face with Heart-Eyes, Enraged Face, and Rolling on the Floor Laughing.
Why it’s needed
Makes reactions more lively and consistent with animated emojis in messages. Improves the visual experience without changing functionality.
Status
The feature is available to some Android beta testers. Gradual rollout.
Conclusion
This week, WhatsApp focused on improving the visual experience and expanding capabilities: pinned message notifications on iOS, media previews in the chat list, and animated reactions make the interface more informative and lively. New poll options and AI-powered photo expansion simplify group collaboration and content creation. Liquid Glass continues to reach the last corners of the app, moving closer to full design unification.
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