Tech Desk 
Apr 27, 2026
WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new user interface (UI) update, changing how chats appear for Android users with a new notification bubbles feature.
As per a recent post by WABetaInfo, Meta-owned instant messaging platform is working on support for notification bubbles on Android. The feature is expected to show chats as floating icons on the screen, keeping conversations accessible across apps. Users may be able to tap on a bubble to open a compact chat window and reply without opening the full app.
The feature is likely to rely on Android's notification system. When a message arrives from an individual or group chat, a floating bubble may appear even if another app is in use.
The bubble is expected to show the sender's profile picture along with a WhatsApp indicator. Tapping it should open a smaller chat interface for quick replies, and users may have the option to disable the feature if needed.
According to WABetaInfo report, this is part of a broader effort to improve how messaging works within the system. WhatsApp is reportedly exploring changes that make conversations feel quicker and more integrated with Android. Notification bubbles are expected to help keep chats active and easy to access without interrupting what the user is doing.
However, notification bubbles are supported on most Android phones, the feature is more reliable on handsets running Android 11 and newer, as older versions of Android require the 'draw over other apps' permission.
It is important to note that the feature is still under development and is available to select beta users, while the company plans to make this feature available to a wider audience.
