WhatsApp is gradually rolling out a new sidebar similar to the Mac version to make navigating the iPad app easier. According to WABetaInfo’s version review, the bar remains open by default on the left of the screen and allows one-touch switching between chats, calls, status updates and settings. The user can hide the bar when he wants a larger speaking area. The new layout was rolled out to some users in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.36.10.17 and will reach more accounts in the coming weeks. Because distribution is handled by the server, the feature may appear at different times on two iPads using the same app version.
Chat list and conversation will continue to appear simultaneously
The iPad’s large screen allows the new bar to be used without eliminating the chat list. Thus, the application has a three-part structure: the main navigation is on the left, the chat list is in the middle, and the open conversation is on the right. This layout brings the information density in desktop messaging applications to the tablet. Additionally, the user can more easily maintain the current conversation context when changing sections.
The sidebar also supports the Liquid Glass design language. Transparent layers and surfaces that adapt to surrounding content approach the final interface in the iPhone and Mac versions. However, WhatsApp has to maintain sufficient contrast in text and icons to maintain readability of core functions. The beta process will help test this balance on different iPad sizes.
The new design may be especially useful for landscape use and for users who open multiple windows with Stage Manager. On the other hand, when the window is narrowed, three columns may not fit at the same time. In this case, the application can hide the sidebar, leaving more space for conversation. The user can also reopen the bar at any time.
WhatsApp released its iPad app last year and later added the ability to create accounts directly from the iPad. According to Meta’s July announcement, the user can now set up his account on the tablet without connecting it to the phone. The new interface update makes the application more suitable for tablet use rather than just a phone version moved to the big screen.
It is not guaranteed that the appearance in the beta channel will transfer to the final version in the same way. WhatsApp may change icon positions, bar width or hiding behavior based on feedback. Additionally, Liquid Glass support may depend on the operating system version. Therefore, devices using older iPadOS can get the basic sidebar layout, even if they do not get the same visual effects.
To check whether the feature is available in your account, it is enough to update WhatsApp from the App Store. If the bar does not appear after the update, there is no need to reinstall; It’s safer to wait for server-side distribution. WhatsApp hasn’t given an exact date for all users, but the expansion will continue over the coming weeks.