WhatsApp tests chat themes with animated wallpapers on iOS
WhatsApp will finally bring a new set of chat themes to iPhone in a future update. Animated wallpapers will be part of the project, making this one of the more expressive chat themes available. The app will automatically set the bubble color for every theme to keep the interface cohesive and clear.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | New chat theme categories |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is testing greeting messages for group chats on iOS! |
WhatsApp is working on a new expansion for chat themes on Android
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.31.2 update, we announced a new set of chat themes. WhatsApp will organize the new expansion into three categories, and none of them look the same. They will offer different styles, colors, and wallpapers, making it easier for users to find a theme that fits their preferences. As always, WhatsApp assigns bubble colors automatically for every theme to ensure consistency and accessibility.
WhatsApp is now working on the same theme expansion for iOS
The feature is currently under development on WhatsApp beta for Android. WhatsApp is working on refining the experience ahead of the official release. But now, WhatsApp is already building the same experience for iPhone users in the future. We discovered the news with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.31.10.74 update, which is available on TestFlight. Specifically, WhatsApp will introduce three different categories for chat themes: Featured, Doodle, and Minimal. With this expansion, users will be able to differentiate their chats with even more theme combinations.
WhatsApp is testing themes with animated wallpapers
The Featured themes will bring something new to your conversations: animated wallpapers. However, WhatsApp made a deliberate choice about how fast they move. In particular, the animation will be slow and gradual. Just enough to make the background feel dynamic without drawing attention away from the conversation. This is a good decision since a faster animation would create different problems. It could distract users from reading their messages, since motion may draw the eye. In addition, rapid movement on screen can be uncomfortable for people with certain accessibility needs. This is not a technical limitation. Instead, WhatsApp decided to keep the movement subtle to maintain the conversation in focus.
Doodle and Minimal themes offer familiar and clean alternatives
The classic WhatsApp doodle patterns will be available with doodle themes. They are a good choice for users who like the original look. Instead, minimal themes will apply plain background: white in light mode and dark in dark mode. This is useful for users who prefer no distractions behind their messages. These categories will give users many new themes, from expressive to neutral. If users want to set a classic theme, this category is the perfect choice for those who prefer a familiar look.
How WhatsApp handles bubble colors across all themes
Even if users can select the color they prefer, WhatsApp choose the bubble color automatically. This means that users don't have to pick it separately. WhatsApp selects the color that works best with the wallpaper underneath. This keeps the design coherent, so the bubble color always works with the background. It also ensures that there is enough contrast for the text to remain readable. This is very important in terms of accessibility. As a result, users will be able to choose any theme and trust that it looks good.
Chat themes work the same way on iOS and Android
WhatsApp is making the experience consistent between iOS and Android. Users will notice the same three categories and the same focus on accessibility. WhatsApp is building these themes with cross-platform consistency in mind. When this update is available, the chat screen will feel familiar no matter where users open it.
WhatsApp is developing new chat themes for a future iOS update
The new chat theme categories are currently under development on iOS. WhatsApp has not enabled them for beta testers yet. We expect WhatsApp to roll them out to beta testers in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp has not shared an official timeline for their public release.
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