WhatsApp tests a redesigned bottom navigation bar on Android
WhatsApp is finally working on a refreshed bottom navigation bar for the Android app. The new design will introduce a floating bar with rounded corners to give the interface a modern appearance. It looks similar to the tab bar available on WhatsApp for iOS, but its design may change and evolve as development continues.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | Redesigned bottom navigation bar |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is testing birthday reminders for your contacts! |
WhatsApp previously introduced a bottom navigation bar on Android
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.10.6 update, we announced a new bottom navigation bar. The update moved the main sections of the app to the bottom of the screen, making it easier for users to switch between their chats, communities, updates, and calls. WhatsApp refined the navigation system to make the app interface consistent with the latest design. Probably, WhatsApp also introduced the new design in response to feedback from users who requested an updated interface.
WhatsApp is redesigning the bottom navigation bar again
After 3 years, WhatsApp is giving the bottom navigation bar another new look. With the new design, WhatsApp will make the bottom navigation bar separate from the main interface. We discovered the news with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.38.10 update, which is available on the Google Play Store. In particular, WhatsApp is testing a refreshed bottom navigation bar for both light and dark themes. Users can notice the new design more clearly with the light theme, but this may change as WhatsApp continues to work on the redesign.
The new bottom navigation bar has rounded corners like the tab bar on iOS
WhatsApp is working on a design for the bottom navigation bar similar to the tab bar available on the iOS app. With the update dedicated to Liquid Glass for iOS, WhatsApp launched a floating design for the tab bar, with rounded corners and a translucent appearance. The new bottom navigation bar on Android partially follows this direction. The floating bar and rounded edges are the main similarities with the iOS version. However, this does not mean that WhatsApp will also add the same translucent effect to the bottom navigation bar on Android. The Android app follows its own design guidelines, so the final layout will differ from the one available on iOS in terms of translucency.
WhatsApp may introduce more changes to the bottom navigation bar
The current design may not represent the final version of the new bottom navigation bar. WhatsApp is actively working on refreshing the bottom navigation bar. This means that WhatsApp could introduce more changes before the official release. At the same time, it is unclear what other changes WhatsApp could introduce. We will keep monitoring future updates to see whether WhatsApp expands this redesign with more tweaks.
WhatsApp continues to rethink the Android interface
WhatsApp keeps improving the design of the Android app. With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.37.6 update, WhatsApp introduced a new experience with chat themes. The update added new categories and themes to help users personalize the conversation interface. With WhatsApp Plus, users can also customize the appearance of the app with new accent colors. Finally, the redesigned bottom navigation bar will further refresh the appearance of the Android interface.
The new redesign may be a response to user feedback
The new redesign could also be related to the feedback from Android users. Shortly before we discovered the new bottom navigation bar, we shared a post on X about the Android interface. Many users replied and asked WhatsApp to give the app a more modern design. Some users agreed with the post, while others asked for a new redesign of the Android interface. WhatsApp has not confirmed whether this feedback influenced the new bottom navigation bar, but the timing is certainly interesting.
WhatsApp is working on a new bottom navigation bar for a future Android update
The new bottom navigation bar is currently under development on Android. At the moment, it is not available yet because WhatsApp has not enabled it for beta testers. WhatsApp will make it available to some users in a future update. However, WhatsApp has not announced when the new bottom navigation bar will be available to everyone.
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