WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.16.5.
What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is releasing a redesigned search bar, and it is available to some lucky beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Redesigned search bar |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.16.5 is marked as a compatible update, but some lucky beta testers may be able to get the same feature by installing one of the following builds: 2.23.16.3, 2.23.16.4. |
| I’ve installed this update but I don’t have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it’s rolling out to more people over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Auro, FastenM, and Thales, for testing and reporting! |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.16.3: what’s new?WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to create a new group while forwarding messages! |
REDESIGNED SEARCH BAR
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.15.24 update, we announced a wider release for those enhancements to the interface of the app that align with Material Design 3. Anyway, WhatsApp is continuing to explore new ways to improve the interface following the rules of Material Design 3. In particular, after installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.16.5 update from the Google Play Store, some selected beta testers might experience a new redesigned interface for the search bar!
As you can see in this screenshot, the search bar has been redesigned. We can confirm that this aligns with the rules of Material Design 3, which require a complete overhaul of the interface for the search bar. In addition, the new redesigned interface is now also available for other search bars implemented within the app, like the one in the settings screen and while searching for messages in a conversation.
However, this is not the only news found in the update. As announced on Twitter, we shared a screenshot regarding a new white color adopted by those items placed within the top app bar, which is available in the same update to some lucky beta testers. As mentioned in the tweet, this further confirms their commitment to improving the interface of the app.
The redesigned search bar is available to some lucky beta testers that install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android update from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.
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