WhatsApp Adds Message Bubble Animation on iPhone, Users Can Disable It
WhatsApp recently introduced a new animation feature for messages on iPhones, causing sent messages to appear as popping bubbles rather than appearing instantly. This update, which resembles a previous iOS feature that WhatsApp had removed, has sparked complaints from users in Israel and on social media, who described the effect as annoying and outdated.
The animation causes a slight delay and visual bubble effect when sending messages, prompting some users to compare it to early 2000s chat apps like ICQ. Critics suggested the change was driven by a young designer enthusiastic about flashy effects.
Fortunately, WhatsApp provides an option to disable this animation. Users can turn it off by navigating to Settings > Chats > Animations within the app. This section already controls emoji, sticker, and GIF animations, and now includes a dedicated toggle for message animations to revert to the previous behavior.
The update was rolled out in late July 2026, and WhatsApp has responded to user feedback by making the feature optional, allowing users to customize their chat experience on iPhone devices.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.