WhatsApp will replace the PIN code with a password

Liquid Glass for Mac

WhatsApp is finally bringing the Liquid Glass design to Mac, completing the design unification across all Apple platforms.

How it works
In the new Mac version, the sidebar has been completely redesigned: it now shows both icons and text labels for each section, making navigation more intuitive. A dedicated section for locked chats has been added to the sidebar — authentication is required to access it, making the experience on Mac as private as on iPhone. Communities also got their own entry point in the sidebar. The chat bar and attachment menu now feature the Liquid Glass style with a translucent, glass-like effect.

Why it’s needed
Eliminates the visual and functional inconsistency between Mac, iPhone, and iPad. All Apple platforms now follow the same Liquid Glass design language. Locked chats are finally protected on Mac just as they are on iPhone.

Status
The feature is available to some users in the WhatsApp for Mac version from the App Store. Gradual rollout.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Celebration Animation

WhatsApp is celebrating the World Cup final with a special animation for status likes and themed music.

How it works
When users tap the heart icon (like) on a status update, animated footballs appear on the screen instead of the usual hearts. The like remains private — only the status creator can see it, and there is no public counter. A dedicated music category called “Football Central 2026” has been added to the status music picker with themed tracks. WhatsApp also suggests updating your “About” section in honor of the final. All these features are temporary and will be removed after the tournament ends.

Why it’s needed
Creates a festive atmosphere for fans and makes WhatsApp more engaging during the final days of the 2026 World Cup.

Status
The features are available to all iOS and Android users in the latest app versions. Temporary — will disappear after the tournament ends.

Active Promotion of Usernames

WhatsApp has placed banners in the App Store and Google Play, promoting usernames as a “major update.”

How it works
The app store update descriptions now feature a banner stating that usernames allow users to communicate without revealing their phone number. It includes a call to reserve a preferred username ahead of the global launch. The banners are visible to all users, not just beta testers.

Why it’s needed
Signals that a global username launch is approaching. The privacy focus attracts broad user attention and encourages users to reserve their usernames in advance.

Status
Banners are visible in the App Store and Google Play. The feature itself continues its gradual rollout to a limited number of users.

Customizable Reaction Tray for WhatsApp Plus

WhatsApp is preparing the ability to replace the six default emojis in the reaction tray with custom ones — but only for WhatsApp Plus subscribers.

How it works
A dedicated section will appear in settings to manage the reaction tray. Users can replace any of the six default emojis with any emoji from the full keyboard. Each slot can be customized individually. The configuration is saved and can be changed at any time.

Why it’s needed
The default reactions don’t always fit a user’s communication style. Customization speeds up responses and makes the interface more personalized. It fits naturally into the WhatsApp Plus concept as a plan with expanded personalization features.

Status
The feature is in development for Android. It will be available to WhatsApp Plus subscribers in a future update.

Replacing PIN with Password for Two-Step Verification

WhatsApp is working on replacing the 6-digit numeric PIN with an alphanumeric password for two-step verification. For more details, read our separate article on this topic: WhatsApp is set to replace PIN code login with password for two-step verification.

How it works
Instead of a 6-digit numeric PIN, users will be able to set a password between 6 and 20 characters long, containing both letters and numbers. The password will serve as the second security factor after entering the SMS code. The feature remains optional — users who don’t want to enable it can continue using WhatsApp without two-step verification. Existing users with a PIN will likely be prompted to update their settings.

Why it’s needed
An alphanumeric password is significantly harder to guess than a numeric PIN, which improves account security.

Status
The feature is in early development for Android. No official announcements have been made, and the direction may change.

New Message Bubble Design on iOS

WhatsApp is updating the message bubble design on iOS, making bubbles more rounded and modern.

How it works
Message bubbles now have significantly more rounded corners, bringing them closer to the iMessage style. Photos, videos, and GIFs appear without traditional borders (frameless), making them more integrated into the conversation. In groups and for forwarded messages, a small header remains above the media showing the sender’s name or a forwarded label. The design harmonizes with the recent Liquid Glass update for the chat interface.

Why it’s needed
Refreshes the look of chats, which had remained unchanged for a long time. Makes the interface more modern and visually consistent with other WhatsApp updates.

Status
The feature is available to some iOS beta testers, as well as some users on the stable version from the App Store. Gradual rollout.

Conclusion

This week, WhatsApp focused on completing major visual updates, promoting privacy, and adding new personalization options. The World Cup celebration animation and work on strengthening security show that WhatsApp continues to evolve both in terms of user engagement and account protection. 

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