WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new holiday update that introduces 2026-themed stickers and interactive visual effects, expanding its seasonal features across Android and iOS ahead of the new year. The update, first detailed in beta documentation, adds animated stickers, festive overlays, and tap-triggered effects designed to enhance chats during holiday conversations.
According to information shared in the beta release notes, the update includes a new sticker collection labeled for 2026, alongside celebratory animations that activate during specific interactions in chats. WhatsApp describes the release as a “holiday update,” signaling a continuation of its recent pattern of seasonal feature drops rather than a standalone event-based release.
The new stickers appear directly within WhatsApp’s sticker tray and do not require third-party downloads. Users testing the update report that the stickers integrate with existing packs and can be shared across one-to-one chats and group conversations. Interactive effects activate when users send certain emojis or tap on supported message elements, triggering short animations layered over the chat interface.
The update is rolling out gradually, beginning with beta users and expanding to stable builds in phases. WhatsApp has followed this staged deployment model for recent features, including chat themes, AI-assisted tools, and enhanced media sharing controls. Devices running updated versions of WhatsApp on Android and iOS are expected to receive the holiday content automatically once the rollout reaches their region.
The animated stickers really bring conversations to life and add a festive touch. Users can share these fun stickers in one-on-one chats, group messages, and even in their Status updates. They offer a playful and visually appealing way to show excitement for the upcoming year. With the sticker pack available all through the holiday season, everyone can join in on the fun, no matter where they are.
The holiday update arrives as WhatsApp continues to compete with Telegram, Instagram, and Snapchat, all of which have invested heavily in stickers, effects, and seasonal content to drive engagement inside private messaging.
Unlike some rivals, WhatsApp continues to keep these features optional and lightweight, ensuring they do not interfere with message delivery or performance on lower-end devices.
WhatsApp has not confirmed an end date for the holiday effects, but similar seasonal features in previous years remained available for several weeks after launch. The company has also not indicated whether additional New Year-specific features will follow, though recent beta activity suggests further refinements to emoji reactions and sticker organization may arrive in early 2026.