WhatsApp embraces rounded chat bubbles as premium plan waitlist opens
Source: 9to5Google
Rounded Chat Bubbles Update
It’s not often we talk about UI changes on WhatsApp, but the latest update adds more rounded chat bubbles to the core messaging experience.
As initially reported by WABetaInfo, the chat bubble aesthetic that has been used for a number of years and was synonymous with speech bubbles is being replaced with more rounded messages in the v2.2.6.10.2 update for Android.
All of the angles are getting softened with this change, which provides a more modern visual element for smartphones. Because the speech‑bubble “tail” is removed, messages are better aligned with the side of the display, cutting out unnecessary dead space and cleaning up random indents.
According to WABetaInfo, Meta is introducing a “Premium” tier to WhatsApp that will allow for custom app icons, unique app themes and ringtones, and the ability to pin more chats than is currently possible on the standard free tier.
If you are a beta user, you might see a banner or sticker at the top of the Settings section allowing you to join the Premium tier waitlist. This isn’t mandatory, but those who are willing to pay for a subscription will get day‑one access when the plan launches. It’s not clear when this will happen, but the option is available.
After years of struggling to monetize WhatsApp, this could be a way for Meta to finally start raking in cash from the billions of daily active users. While the rollout feels like a mixed bag, at least we’re getting rounded chat bubbles on mobile.