WhatsApp brings Liquid Glass redesign to Mac after gradual rollout

WhatsApp has begun rolling out a redesigned interface for its Mac application, giving desktop users an experience that more closely matches the app on iPhone and iPad. The update adopts Apple’s Liquid Glass design language, which has already appeared across the company’s mobile platforms over recent months.

The redesign is being released through the latest version of the app available on the Mac App Store. According to WABetaInfo, the update is currently reaching a limited number of users and will become available to more accounts in the coming weeks. While the release does not introduce new messaging tools or artificial intelligence features, it focuses on improving the overall appearance and consistency of the application across Apple’s ecosystem.

WhatsApp updates the Mac interface to match Apple’s design direction

The latest version of WhatsApp for Mac introduces several visual changes designed to create a cleaner and more modern interface. Navigation has been refreshed with an updated sidebar, redesigned menus and a revised chat bar, giving the desktop application a look that is much closer to its mobile counterparts. The changes are intended to make moving between devices feel more natural for users who regularly switch between a Mac, iPhone and iPad.

The updated layout also improves the organisation of conversations and key features. Navigation elements have been simplified, while attachment options have been refreshed to better align with Apple’s latest software design. Rather than adding new functions, the update concentrates on making existing features easier to access within a more polished interface.

One notable improvement is the introduction of separate sections for Locked Chats and Communities. Previously, protected conversations appeared alongside standard chats in the Mac application. With the new design, Locked Chats are placed in their own dedicated area and require user authentication before they can be opened, matching the privacy experience already available on the iPhone.

Communities have also been made easier to find. Instead of being located within the main conversation list, they are now accessible directly from the sidebar. The change reduces the number of steps needed to reach community discussions and creates a more organised navigation system for users managing multiple conversations.

Gradual rollout follows months of development

WhatsApp has taken a phased approach to introducing the Liquid Glass design across Apple’s platforms. The company first began testing elements of the visual redesign on iOS in October before expanding the refreshed appearance to more users earlier this year. Although the Mac application received a small number of interface updates last month, this latest release represents the first version to bring together the complete design language.

According to WABetaInfo, the redesigned interface is currently being distributed to a limited group of users through the Mac App Store. As with many WhatsApp updates, availability will expand gradually rather than reaching every user at the same time. This staged rollout allows the company to monitor performance before making the update widely available.

The release reflects Apple’s ongoing push for greater consistency across its operating systems. In recent software updates, Apple has encouraged developers to create applications that provide a familiar experience regardless of whether users are on a phone, tablet or desktop computer. By adopting the same design language across its Apple devices, WhatsApp is aligning its application with those broader design principles.

Although some users may have expected additional messaging tools or productivity features, the company has instead prioritised visual improvements. The decision suggests that maintaining a consistent user experience across devices has become an increasingly important objective as desktop messaging continues to grow in popularity.

Desktop experience becomes a bigger focus for messaging platforms

Desktop messaging applications now play a much larger role in everyday communication than they did only a few years ago. Many people rely on their Mac computers throughout the working day, using WhatsApp to communicate with colleagues, friends, family members and community groups without constantly switching to a mobile device.

When desktop and mobile applications differ significantly in appearance or navigation, moving between devices can interrupt familiar workflows. By introducing a design that closely mirrors the iPhone and iPad versions, WhatsApp aims to provide a more seamless experience for users across Apple’s hardware ecosystem.

The update also highlights Meta’s continued investment in WhatsApp beyond smartphones. As messaging platforms compete to provide reliable services across multiple devices, users increasingly expect the same level of performance, security and design regardless of which platform they choose. A consistent interface can improve usability while reinforcing familiarity for long-term users.

As the rollout continues over the coming weeks, more Mac owners are expected to receive the redesigned application. Although the update focuses on appearance rather than functionality, it represents another step towards delivering a unified WhatsApp experience across Apple’s devices, ensuring the desktop version feels like a natural extension of the mobile app rather than a separate companion.