WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.6.1: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.6.1.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on new premium features to customize the app theme, icon, and accent color, and they will be available in a future update!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Choose app theme, icon, and color |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is rolling out voice and video calls on the Web! |
WhatsApp is working on new app themes, icons, and accent colors
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.1.10.70 update, we announced a feature that lets users choose the main color of the app. This new functionality was designed to let iOS users change the main branding color of the app. From a set of five different colors, WhatsApp aimed to give users the option to experiment and find the color that best suits their preferences. For users with visual impairments or specific color preferences, the ability to change the main branding color can improve accessibility.
This feature has never been released on iOS, as WhatsApp decided to keep it on hold indefinitely until it's confident it will meet users' needs. Now, it seems that WhatsApp plans to reintroduce it in a new form with new customization options. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.6.1 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on new premium features to customize the app theme, icon, and accent color.
As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of two new premium features for a future update. For this plan, WhatsApp has currently designed 14 new icons for the app to expand the selection. These includes special icons that offer a more distinctive styles, such as Aurora, Fluffy, Galaxy, Clay, Sparkle, and Neon. WhatsApp has also designed seven new icons based on a single color: brown, purple, orange, green, blue, pink, and monochrome. Additionally, WhatsApp has included the classic icon of the app that was refreshed years ago, giving users the option to return to the original design if they prefer.
The second premium feature will let users change the branding color of the app. In a similar way to the tool previously announced for the iOS app, this functionality offers users greater flexibility over their experience, as they will be able to choose their favorite color from 19 possible options. These include: the default green color, royal blue, violet, navy blue, light purple, dark grey, coral, dark olive green, teal, burgundy, brown, beige, seafoam green, yellow, olive green, pink, red, orange, and golden yellow. With this variety, users will be able to customize the appearance of the app to better suit their personal preferences and visual comfort. When users change the app theme color, certain interface elements will adopt the selected color, such as filters, tabs, floating action buttons, and more.
It's important to mention that these features will be included in WhatsApp's new premium plan. As announced in the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.4.8 update, WhatsApp is developing new premium features that users can access via a monthly subscription. This means that users who sign up for this new plan will gain access to several new options, including the ability to customize the appearance of the app. Currently, the price of this premium subscription is unknown and may vary by country.
It's worth noting that the new premium plan will be completely optional. This means that it is only intended for users who want a more enhanced experience with the app. For everyone else, the current experience is guaranteed without any fees. Access to private messaging and all core features will remain completely free for all users. However, the premium plan is still evolving, and WhatsApp is still determining exactly what it will include. This means that while additional customization tools could be introduced, some other features we announce might be removed or refined before the official release.
New premium features to customize the app theme, icon, and accent color are currently under development, and they are planned for release in a future update. WhatsApp is still refining which customization options will be available in the premium plan. Once testing is complete, the feature will be gradually rolled out to some beta testers, allowing them to provide feedback on their experience ahead of the official release.
Stay Connected with WABetaInfo
Following WABetaInfo on X is the best way to stay informed about new features under development and those released to WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web, and Desktop. We love hearing your feedback, so let us know what you think! You can also explore our dedicated page to discover all our services, or join our Discord Server to chat with others, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest WABetaInfo announcements.