WhatsApp’s latest update has triggered widespread discontent among users, as the app replaces its iconic “typing…” indicator with an animated speech bubble. This change, rolled out without prior notice, has left many questioning its necessity.
The update replaces the familiar “typing…” notification—traditionally displayed at the top of the chat window—with a dynamic, moving bubble placed beneath the last message. While the design is subtle, it has divided users, with many criticizing it for being distracting.
According to the Daily Mail, the feature closely mirrors the typing animation found in Apple’s iMessage, but WhatsApp users have not embraced the shift. Social media platforms are flooded with complaints, with some labeling the animation as “unhelpful” and “annoying.” One user even went as far as to say that the animation “purposely gives me anxiety.”
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the backlash. Despite this, it’s expected that the update will be rolled out globally in the coming days, marking another significant change to the app’s interface.
The introduction of the animated bubble has reignited discussions about whether such design alterations genuinely improve user experience or if they unnecessarily complicate familiar functions. With the shift to a more modern interface, many users feel that these updates may do more harm than good by disrupting a once-simple feature.
As the feature becomes available to more users, it remains to be seen whether the backlash will prompt WhatsApp to reconsider its decision or if the update will eventually become a standard part of the app’s design.
