This week, WhatsApp delighted channel administrators by announcing the end of support for legacy Android devices and continuing to experiment with the layout of statuses and channels. Additionally, users will be able to choose their backup provider, and the iOS version will feature a Liquid Glass design for the chat interface.
Table of Contents
Channel Statuses
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow administrators to share status updates in their channels.
How it will work
Channel administrators will be able to post temporary updates—statuses that disappear after 24 hours. A separate entry point will be added to the channel interface in the navigation bar. Images, videos, voice messages, music, and AI-generated images (where available) are supported. One status can only be posted in one channel at a time.
Why this is needed
This feature allows you to share short announcements, behind-the-scenes content, or breaking news that don’t need to be permanently stored in the channel feed. Statuses don’t clutter the main feed but keep your audience engaged.
Status
This feature is in development for iOS. The release is expected in a future update.
End of support for Android 5.0 and 5.1
WhatsApp will end support for older versions of Android in September 2026.
How it will work
Starting September 8, 2026, WhatsApp will no longer work on smartphones running Android 5.0 and 5.1. Users of these versions will see a notification when opening the app recommending they create a backup (Google Drive or locally) and update their device or operating system. iOS and iPadOS are not affected.
Why this is needed
Supporting modern features (such as bubble notifications and improved security) requires newer system capabilities. Deprecating legacy versions allows WhatsApp to innovate without regard for compatibility.
Status
The change has been officially announced and will take effect on September 8, 2026.
Choosing a cloud backup provider
WhatsApp will test its own encrypted cloud backup provider.
How it will work
In the backup settings, you will now be able to choose between Google Drive and WhatsApp’s own cloud storage. Choosing WhatsApp Cloud will provide 2 GB of free storage. WhatsApp Cloud backups are always encrypted (the default passkey is biometrics/screen lock, or a password or 64-character key). A paid 50 GB plan for ~$0.99 per month is also being considered.
Why this is needed
This frees up space in Google Drive and provides an alternative for those with limited free cloud storage. It centralizes backup management within WhatsApp.
Status
Feature in development for Android. Expected in a future update.
Statuses in the top bar of the “Chats” tab
WhatsApp is introducing a feature to display status updates at the top of the chat list.
How it will work
The top bar of the “Chats” tab displays up to three avatars of contacts who have recently posted a status. Scrolling down the list reveals a horizontal row with all contact statuses (including archived ones and those without an active chat), ranked by relevance. The “WhatsApp” name in the upper left corner is hidden when there are statuses and appears as you scroll. Ads between statuses are not shown in this mode.
Why this is needed
This is an experiment to integrate statuses directly into the chat list, eliminating the need to switch to the “Updates” tab. This simplifies quick browsing.
Status
This new feature is being experimentally released to some Android beta testers. This feature may be removed or changed based on testing results.
Channels in a separate list in the “Chats” tab
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will add channels to the chat list in the future.
How it will work
In a future update, WhatsApp will add a separate “Channels” filter at the top of the chat list. When selected, only channels the user is subscribed to will be displayed. Channels will not be mixed with regular chats and groups. The “Updates” tab may revert to “Statuses” and show only contact statuses.
Why this is needed
This is another experiment to reorganize navigation—centralizing all channels in “Chats” instead of a separate tab. Allows you to quickly switch between private conversations and the feed.
Status
This feature is in development for Android. A release is not guaranteed, as it is experimental.
Liquid Glass for the Chat Interface
WhatsApp will test the Liquid Glass design for the chat interface.
How it will work
As part of the gradual expansion of the Liquid Glass design, WhatsApp is updating the chat screen:
The chat bar becomes a floating, translucent panel with a smoked glass effect that reflects the background.
The navigation bar becomes transparent with a slight fading effect, allowing messages and wallpaper to be visible through it.
The “Skip to last message” button also receives a Liquid Glass style.
The navigation bar and input panel now visually match the rest of the app.
Why this is needed
Completes WhatsApp’s adaptation to the iOS 26 design language, making the interface uniform, lightweight, and modern.
Status
This feature is in development for iOS (version 26.17.10.70). Liquid Glass will be available to beta testers after development is complete. Full access to Liquid Glass has not yet been reached by 100% of users.
Conclusion
WhatsApp continues to experiment with the layout of statuses and channels, gradually moving them to “Chats” and possibly returning the “Updates” tab to its original purpose. At the same time, the company is preparing infrastructure changes: its own cloud backup service, the end of Android 5.x support, and the continued rollout of Liquid Glass on iOS. Channel administrators will also receive a convenient temporary posting tool.
At GREEN-API, we’re keeping an eye on the news and will keep you informed about all significant updates. We’re also constantly working on introducing new features to our service to make your experience more convenient. Follow our blog to stay informed about new and useful features in WhatsApp!