Meta plans to update its well-known messaging app WhatsApp. According to reports, the company is working on a variety of new features, such as interface changes that would transform WhatsApp’s UI looks overall. According to a recent report from Wabetainfo, WhatsApp is working on improving the user interface (UI) for both the iOS and Android apps.
According to the source, WhatsApp is in the process of revamping its user interface (UI) to give it a fresh, modern look. The app will soon be switching to a more contemporary layout in place of its current, well-known UI. This update will include new icons, a green theme that will predominate in light and dark modes, chat changes bubble colors, and the floating action button. “With the new interface, WhatsApp plans to introduce a more modern experience by removing the green color from the top app bar that has always characterized the app,” notes Wabetainfo.
The report also includes screenshots of the developments, showing significant UI (user interface) updates to WhatsApp, particularly in the Android beta version 2.23.20.10. On the home screen and in chats, the top bar has changed and is now predominantly colorless. This alteration is in line with the popularity of using colorless top bars in apps, which started after dark mode was introduced. Colorful action bars might sometimes look out of place against the typically used dark grey or white backgrounds in dark mode.
Anticipated UI Updates and Ongoing Development Efforts
According to the report, similar improvements were also noted during the development phase of WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.19.1.72, indicating a concerted effort to improve the user experience on both iOS and Android platforms.
Notably, the report suggests that WhatsApp may be considering additional updates before the official release of the updated UI while these UI improvements are still under development.
In the meantime, WhatsApp issued a warning targeted specifically at users of older versions of the Android OS. According to the messaging app, it will no longer support Android smartphones running Android OS version 4.1 or older. Users of these old devices will no longer receive updates to the software after the support ends, and they will soon no longer be able to use WhatsApp on their smartphones.
According to WhatsApp’s official announcement, Android OS 4.1 and earlier-running smartphones will no longer receive support after October 24. “To choose what to stop supporting, every year we, like other technology companies, look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest number of people still using them. These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp,” reads the official note on WhatsApp faq.
According to industry standards, technology companies assess which software and devices are the most outdated and have the fewest users left before deciding to discontinue supporting them. These outdated mobile devices may lack the latest security updates and may not be able to run WhatsApp effectively.
