WhatsApp is reportedly working on support for notification bubbles on Android. If you’ve used Facebook Messenger, you’ll already have a good idea of how this bubble feature works. The platform is developing it to make conversations easier to access without fully opening the app. That said, it’s still under development and isn’t available for beta testing just yet.
According to WABetaInfo, the addition is designed to improve how chats appear on Android by offering a quicker way to read and reply to messages while using other apps. It will work closely with the Android notification system and is expected to enhance multitasking during ongoing conversations.
In addition, WhatsApp is also planning a redesign of its top app bar. The company is expected to replace the app name with its official logo — a notable change from a layout that has remained largely unchanged since 2013. The shift may also make room for potential status updates in the top bar, indicating a broader reorganisation of the interface.
How notification bubbles work on WhatsApp
Notification bubbles will allow chats to appear as floating icons on the screen. This will enable users to access conversations even if they are in the middle of something, such as watching videos or scrolling. When a message arrives, a bubble will pop up showing the contact or group’s profile picture along with a WhatsApp icon. Tapping it will open a compact chat window, allowing users to read and reply instantly.
The feature works similarly to chat bubbles in apps like Facebook Messenger. Some users may find it useful for multitasking, as it lets them reply to messages while using other apps without switching screens, while others might find it intrusive. However, users will have the option to disable the feature whenever they want.
Notification bubbles are supported on Android 10 and above, although they work more reliably on Android 11 and newer versions. Availability will depend on device settings, and users may need to enable the feature manually.
The feature is still being refined and is expected to roll out first to select beta testers before a wider release. Overall, WhatsApp appears to be working on multiple updates aimed at making messaging faster and more seamlessly integrated with the Android system.
