WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.11.6.
What’s new in this update? A new interface is available after a wider roll out, but some users also experience a persistent crash with the new update.
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Bottom navigation bar |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | Starting today, it seems that any version newer than the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.10.6 update is marked as a compatible version. |
| I’ve installed this update but I don’t have this feature. Why? | This feature is still rolling out to users, and it make take a few days to reach all beta testers. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.10.0.73: what’s new? WhatsApp is working on a double-tap action for message reactions! |
BOTTOM NAVIGATION BAR
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.10.6 update, we announced that WhatsApp was finally releasing a tweaked interface with a bottom navigation bar, previously spotted during the development of the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.8.4 update. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.6 update (and the previous one, the 2.23.11.5 beta build), it seems that a lot of people received the new interface after a wider roll out. Let’s take another look at the new interface:
We received a significant amount of feedback regarding the new interface, and while a considerable amount of it is positive, there are still people expressing some dissatisfaction with the update as it prevents the ability to swipe between tabs. We are unsure if this feature will be reintroduced in future updates but in case there is news regarding improvements to the new interface, we will let you know in a new article.
However, this update also brings some bad news. It seems that many people are experiencing an issue after installing this update. In particular, there is a crash upon opening WhatsApp, preventing people from using the app. Typically, when similar situations occur, a new version of the app is released to fix the issue, so we expect a corrective update to be released in the next few hours. Although we don’t normally recommend this type of operation for various reasons, such as issues with the database, it is possible that you may be able to resolve the crash simply by downgrading to the previous version.
The tweaked interface with the bottom navigation bar is rolling out to more beta testers that install the latest version of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it will be gradually reaching even more users over the coming days.
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