WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.9.4: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.9.4.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to animate tabs in the bottom navigation bar, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.15.15 update, we announced that a feature to animate emojis using Lottie was available. Lottie is a lightweight and scalable animation framework designed to maintain high quality while minimizing the file size. This enables developers to create complex and high-quality animations without compromising performance, making it ideal for use in messaging apps like WhatsApp. WhatsApp has leveraged Lottie to animate certain emojis, adding a dynamic touch to conversations while maintaining smooth performance. It appears that WhatsApp is now testing additional animations for the app, aiming to further improve the overall interface and make the app more visually interactive. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.9.4 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to animate tabs in the bottom navigation bar!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature that adds a small animation when switching between different tabs in the bottom navigation bar. This animation is currently active by default for a limited number of beta testers, and we can anticipate that it is the first step toward making the app feel more interactive. By animating the transition between tabs, WhatsApp is adding a more fluid and engaging experience for users, allowing the app to feel less static. Small and thoughtful animations like this help create a sense of responsiveness, which can make navigating through the app feel more natural and enjoyable.

Such improvements contribute to a more polished user interface, which can increase user satisfaction. When users notice these subtle animations, they may start to perceive the app as more dynamic and responsive, rather than a rigid and unchanging experience. This enhances the overall feeling of fluidity in the app, making the interaction feel smoother and more intuitive. It's not just about adding visuals, ad it's about making the app feel alive and in tune with the user's actions.

As users interact with these animations, they may also feel more in control of the app. The transitions between tabs will no longer feel abrupt but will instead include a brief visual cue that adds a layer of depth to the interface. These types of details have been shown to improve user engagement, as they can make the app more enjoyable to use for some users.

Due to the positive impact of the feature to animate emojis using Lottie, we anticipate that WhatsApp will continue to refine and introduce more animated elements in future updates. This is just the beginning of what will be a series of visual enhancements that can keep evolving the overall user interface. For now, we can expect even more engaging animations to be added gradually, improving the visual appeal and interactivity of the app, making WhatsApp feel more modern and responsive.

A feature to animate tabs in the bottom navigation bar is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.

Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X. You can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.

Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you're curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.