WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.13.16.
What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a white action bar, and it will be available in a future update of the app!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | White action bar |
| Status? | Under development |
| Availability? | WhatsApp is working on bringing a white action bar to a future update of the app. |
| I’ve installed this update but I don’t have this feature. Why? | This feature is under development so it is not ready to be released to beta testers, but you can discover a preview in this article. |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Windows introduces enhancements to stickers! |
WHITE ACTION BAR
In the past few weeks, we shared some articles regarding the new changes introduced to the interface on WhatsApp for Android. The first news was about the bottom navigation bar released through the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.10.6 update, then we shared news regarding redesigned switches and floating actions buttons with rounded menus after installing the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.13.4 update. Finally, we also announced rounded menus with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.13.9 update. Material Design 3 is definitely the unifying factor among all these elements. It is evident that WhatsApp has a clear objective of enhancing the interface of the app by adhering to the principles and guidelines of Material Design 3, and this commitment will persist in the future. In fact, thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.13.16 update, we discovered that WhatsApp plans to introduce a white action bar!
As you can see in this screenshot, WhatsApp is really working on a white action bar for a future update of the app. We think the white action bar is achieving greater alignment with Material Design 3 principles: by transitioning to a white color scheme, WhatsApp aligns its design more closely with the principles of Material Design, ensuring a consistent and revamped look. This shift promotes familiarity for users accustomed to other apps that also align with these guidelines, and we think it will be definitely appreciated by users.
Note that the news is not limited to the light theme as WhatsApp also plans to introduce a darker action bar when using the dark theme in the future. In addition, the status bar is still configured using the old green color as shown in the attached screenshot, but this might be addressed later.
In our opinion, their decision to redesign the action bar color is likely influenced by user feedback, showing their commitment to meeting user expectations and preferences. Over the years, users have expressed their opinions and suggestions regarding the app’s design elements. By actively listening to their user base, we think that WhatsApp has finally recognized the importance of incorporating user feedback in their decisions in order to provide users with a better product.
The white action bar is under development and it will be released to beta testers in a future update of the app. As always, we will post an additional article when we have further information to share with you.
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