WhatsApp is introducing a significant aesthetic overhaul to its user interface, now available to beta testers. This change is part of a broader effort by Meta to enhance the visual appeal of the app, which has historically lagged in UI updates compared to feature expansions. Recent developments have seen WhatsApp integrating more visually focused elements like a swipeable bottom navigation bar, signaling a shift towards enhancing the platform’s overall user experience.
The new design modifications include a transition to a colorless top bar that aligns visually with the recently updated bottom bar. Previously, the stable channel release featured an omnipresent search bar that was partially obscured by the app’s traditional green top bar. However, in the beta version 2.24.6.77, the top bar has been updated to white, improving visibility and coherence with the bottom navigation bar. This change also extends to the app’s branding, which is now displayed in green on the left-hand side, maintaining the position of the camera shortcut and overflow menu on the right.
This update has been noted by users including AP’s Google Editor, Manuel Vonau, after force-stopping and restarting the app, suggesting a widespread rollout to beta testers. With the new bottom bar design already made public, it is anticipated that the new top bar will soon follow in the stable channel, completing this phase of UI enhancements.
These updates are part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to catch up with competitors like Telegram and Signal, who have traditionally offered more feature-rich platforms. By focusing on both functionality with recent feature additions such as Communities, broadcast channels, and enriched status updates, and now aesthetics, WhatsApp aims to solidify its position as a leader in the messaging space.
