WhatsApp appears to be working on a new design for its Android application, with the latest changes focused mainly on the bottom navigation bar. The redesigned interface could also bring Meta AI directly into the navigation area.
The update was spotted in a recent WhatsApp beta release, suggesting that the company is experimenting with a refreshed interface before potentially rolling it out to regular users.
Meta AI Could Move to the Bottom Navigation
One of the most noticeable changes is the possible relocation of the Meta AI shortcut.
Currently, Meta AI can appear as a floating button above the compose button in WhatsApp. The new design indicates that WhatsApp may instead integrate Meta AI directly into the bottom navigation bar.
However, the screenshots appear to show an early development build, so the final placement could still change before the feature becomes publicly available.
WhatsApp Navigation Bar Gets a New Look
The redesigned navigation bar also appears to have a different visual style.
Instead of the current design, the new bar has a more rounded, oval-shaped appearance with increased transparency. The overall look appears somewhat closer to WhatsApp’s navigation experience on iOS, although the Android version does not appear to use the same level of transparency.
The redesign is still being developed, meaning the appearance shown in the beta version should not be considered final.
Dark Mode Will Also Be Supported
The new navigation design is expected to work with WhatsApp’s dark mode as well.
This means users who prefer a darker interface should receive a version of the redesigned navigation bar adapted to the dark theme.
Spotted in WhatsApp Beta for Android
The new interface was reportedly discovered in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.38.10.
Since the feature is currently part of an early beta build, it is not available to all WhatsApp users. WhatsApp regularly tests interface changes with beta users before deciding whether to release them more widely.
The screenshots also show Meta AI appearing in more than one location, which is another indication that the interface is still being refined.
When Will the New WhatsApp Design Arrive?
There is currently no confirmed public release date for the redesigned navigation bar.
WhatsApp could continue testing and modifying the interface for several weeks before making it available to a wider audience. Some features found in beta versions also never make it into the stable release.
For now, Android users will need to wait for further beta updates to see how the final navigation design takes shape.
WhatsApp Android Redesign: Key Changes
- Redesigned bottom navigation bar
- More rounded and oval-shaped interface
- Increased transparency
- Meta AI potentially integrated into the navigation bar
- Dark mode support
- Currently being tested in WhatsApp beta for Android
- Final design and public release date are not confirmed
