WhatsApp is currently developing enhanced chat customization features, including animated wallpapers, as indicated by references found in the latest iOS beta version. These forthcoming options aim to provide users with a more dynamic and personalized messaging experience.
The new customization features are organized into three categories: Featured, Doodle, and Minimal. The Doodle category will offer wallpapers inspired by WhatsApp’s classic doodle pattern, while the Minimal category will provide solid white or black backgrounds, adapting to the user’s light or dark mode settings. The Featured category is set to introduce wallpapers with subtle animations, adding a dynamic element to chat backgrounds without being overly distracting.
To maintain focus on conversations, the animations in the Featured category are designed to be slow and gradual. This deliberate choice ensures that the movement enhances the chat environment without diverting attention from the messages. Additionally, chat bubble colors will automatically adjust based on the selected wallpaper, streamlining the customization process by eliminating the need for manual color adjustments.
These developments are part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience through personalization. In February 2025, WhatsApp began rolling out chat themes that allowed users to customize chat bubbles and wallpapers, offering 30 new wallpaper options and the ability to upload personal images. Users could apply themes globally or to individual chats, with themes visible only to the user.
In June 2026, WhatsApp tested animated message bubbles on iOS, reintroducing message animations with a setting to enable or disable them. This feature aimed to make conversations more engaging while providing users control over animations.
While the animated wallpapers feature is still under development and not yet available to beta testers, the presence of these references in both iOS and Android versions suggests that a broader release may be forthcoming. As WhatsApp continues to refine its platform, users can anticipate more options to personalize their messaging experience, reflecting the app’s commitment to balancing functionality with user-centric design.
