WhatsApp is testing a chat theme update to sync wallpapers
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will let users sync their chat theme with the other person in the conversation. When users set a theme, a wallpaper, or a bubble color for a chat, they can also choose to apply it only for everyone in the chat. The feature will be compatible with both individual and group chats.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | Chat theme sync |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is testing support for up to three accounts on iOS! |
WhatsApp rolled out new chat themes for iPhone
In the post about the WhatsApp for iOS 26.33.73 update, we announced new chat theme categories. This feature gives users a new selection of wallpapers and styles to personalize their conversations. The Live category introduced animated wallpapers that move slowly in the background. Minimal keeps the interface plain and distraction-free. For every theme, WhatsApp automatically selects a bubble color that complements the wallpaper to keep the text readable.
WhatsApp is now testing a feature to sync themes with others
Chat themes on WhatsApp are personal by default. The theme a user sets for a chat is only visible to them, not to the other person. WhatsApp is now working on adding a feature to extend themes to the other side of the conversation. We discovered this feature with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.37.10.16 update, which is available on TestFlight. In particular, WhatsApp is testing a feature that lets users sync their chat theme with others. This update will add a new option that lets users share their theme choice with the other participants in the conversation.
How theme sync works in individual chats
In the future, users will be able to set a theme for a conversation and choose whether to apply it only for themselves or for the other person too. This choice will allow the user to sync the theme with the other participant as well. If they choose to sync, the other person will see the same wallpaper, theme, and bubble color on their side of the conversation. The choice is always in the hands of the user who is setting the theme. This means that the other person will not need to take any action to sync the chat theme.
Theme sync also works in group chats
WhatsApp is working on bringing the same feature to group chats. When a user sets a theme for a group conversation, they will be able to choose to apply it for everyone in the group. If they sync the theme, all members of the group will see the same wallpaper and bubble color in the conversation. This will make it possible for everyone in the group to see the same look. This feature can be useful for groups with a specific purpose or theme, like a family group or a team workspace.
What users can sync beyond themes
WhatsApp will not limit theme sync to the predefined theme categories. Users will also be able to sync custom wallpapers. If a user chooses a wallpaper from their photo library, they can sync it as well. In addition, it will be possible to apply the same bubble colors to both sides of the conversation. Users will be able to see the option to sync themes as soon as they open the theme settings for a chat.
What the other person sees when you sync a theme
When a user syncs a theme, WhatsApp automatically updates the other person's conversation to show the same wallpaper, bubble color, and theme. WhatsApp will also show a system message to inform who changed the theme in the conversation. In a group chat, all members see the same update at the same time. The person who received the synced theme can still change it if they prefer a different look.
Theme sync is protected by end-to-end encryption
WhatsApp is building theme sync with privacy in mind. This feature is protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that WhatsApp cannot see which theme or wallpaper users choose to share with others. Users who sync a custom wallpaper from their photo library know that WhatsApp never sees what they shared.
WhatsApp is developing chat theme sync for a future iOS update
This feature is currently under development on iOS. This means that it is not available for beta testers. We expect WhatsApp to roll it out to everyone in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp has not shared an official timeline for the public release.
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