WhatsApp rolls out six-option iPhone chat menu, WABetaInfo reports
WhatsApp Rolls Out Six-Option Header Menu for iPhone Chats
WhatsApp is deploying a redesigned chat header menu for iPhone users that consolidates shortcuts for search, file management, and conversation settings into a single dropdown interface, according to the specialized portal WABetaInfo.
The Tech TL;DR:
- New Dropdown Menu: Tapping a contact’s profile picture and name at the top of a chat opens a six-option control panel.
- Target OS Version: The feature has been spotted in WhatsApp for iOS version 26.39.75 and is rolling out to users running the Liquid Glass interface.
- Rollout Status: The update is currently releasing progressively through the App Store and TestFlight beta channel without a confirmed date for general availability.
Consolidating Navigation in iOS Conversations
The redesign moves key chat controls into the upper area of single and group conversations. Previously, users had to exit the active message stream and open a separate contact info screen to adjust preferences. The updated interface displays the profile photograph, display name, and online status indicator directly at the top of the screen. Tapping this element triggers a dropdown menu tailored to the specific type of conversation.
For individual chats, the menu supplies six distinct access points. Users can select search tools to locate specific text strings within the history, view contact details, or browse shared media through a dedicated file, link, and document repository. Additional shortcuts govern conversation aesthetics via chat themes, configure disappearing messages timers, and manage notification silencing. Group chats retain a similar architectural layout with the specific addition of a participant management shortcut, while enterprise accounts display an adapted version of the menu.
Interface Adaptation for the Liquid Glass Framework
The structural modification is tied to the implementation of Liquid Glass, a translucent interface element set that WhatsApp has begun integrating into its iOS client. WABetaInfo documented that placing contact names directly over navigation bars created readability issues against certain background wallpapers. The newly introduced profile button utilizes a dynamic background layer that adjusts visually to match underlying chat content while reducing the total number of taps required to execute common tasks.
However, installing the update via the App Store does not immediately force-enable the interface change on all accounts, as server-side activation controls the progressive deployment sequence across production environments.
iOS Users Check App Store for Profile Button Update
The feature remains constrained to select iOS devices as the phased rollout continues. Users seeking to verify availability must check for client updates within the App Store and open an active conversation thread to confirm whether the redesigned profile button appears in the navigation bar. Participation in the TestFlight testing program offers alternative access for select beta testers, though broader availability dates have not yet been published by developers.
# Example cURL request simulating iOS app client version check against local manifest
curl -s -X GET "https://api.whatsapp.com/v1/ios/version/check?build=26.39.75"
-H "User-Agent: WhatsApp/26.39.75 iOS"
-H "Accept: application/json"
This iPhone-specific layout change operates independently from interface modifications currently under development for Android clients.