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 instantly appearing. This update, rolled out in July 2026, resembles a previous iOS feature that WhatsApp had removed but has now reinstated. The change has sparked user complaints on social media, with many describing the animation as annoying and reminiscent of outdated chat platforms like ICQ.
In response to the backlash, WhatsApp has provided a way to disable the animation. Users can turn off the popping bubble effect by navigating to Settings > Chats > Animations within the app. This section already allowed toggling animations for emojis, stickers, and GIFs, but now includes a dedicated switch specifically for message animations. Disabling this option restores the previous message display behavior.
The update and its reception highlight the sensitivity of users to interface changes in widely used communication apps. WhatsApp’s quick addition of a disable option aims to address user dissatisfaction and maintain a comfortable chat experience on iPhones.
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