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WhatsApp is testing a more rounded chat-bubble design in its Android beta. Reports dated March 7–9, 2026, say the change was available to some beta testers on version 2.26.10.2, but they do not give a date for a wider stable release.
What do the new WhatsApp chat bubbles look like?
The older bubbles are described as angular and rectangular. In the redesign, they have a larger corner radius and a fully rounded appearance. The treatment is reported across text and other message types, including images, polls, and events. WABetaInfo characterized the design as softer and cleaner; that is a description of its appearance, not a measured change in readability or usability.
Images and videos may look different
Images and videos can appear without the traditional enclosing bubble frame, with the media itself taking the place of the bubble. That is not universal: WABetaInfo reports that received multimedia in groups, and forwarded multimedia, can retain a small header area for sender or forwarding information. The presentation therefore depends on the chat and message context.
Which WhatsApp Android version has the new bubbles?
WABetaInfo’s March 7, 2026 report identifies WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.10.2, distributed through the Google Play Beta Program, as the compatible update. At the time of that report, only some beta testers had access, with availability described as a gradual rollout. Installing that version alone was not reported to guarantee that the feature would appear.
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Beta coverage is not confirmation that the redesign is available to everyone using Android. WABetaInfo’s March 8 roundup cautioned that beta features can be in development, unavailable to some testers, or rolling out gradually.
When will everyone get the new WhatsApp bubble design?
The cited reports do not establish a stable-release date. BetaNews wrote on March 9, 2026, that the public release timeline was unknown. These are dated reports, so they do not confirm the feature’s rollout status after that date; check WhatsApp’s current app updates for any later announcement.
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How the old and reported designs differ
| Message or access | Older or wider-release context | Reported beta redesign |
|---|---|---|
| Text bubbles | More angular, rectangular shapes | Fully rounded bubbles with larger corner radii |
| Images and videos | Traditional enclosing bubble frame | May appear without that frame, though group and forwarded media can retain a header area |
| Availability | Stable-release availability is not established by these reports | Some testers on Android beta 2.26.10.2 had access in the March 7, 2026 report |
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