WhatsApp is in the process of developing a new feature designed to enhance the customization options available on its messaging platform. The upcoming functionality will allow users to choose a default chat theme, which includes a variety of color options for chat wallpapers and message bubbles. This feature has been identified in the latest beta release of WhatsApp for Android, following an earlier appearance on iOS.
New Default Chat Theme Feature Under Development
According to the feature tracker WABetaInfo, a new setting has been identified in the WhatsApp beta version 2.24.17.19 for Android. This setting provides users with the option to select a default chat theme. Currently, since the feature is under development, it is not accessible for testing by users who have updated to the most recent beta version of the app.
A screenshot from WABetaInfo reveals a new Chat theme option that informs users that selecting a theme will adjust both the color of the chat bubbles and the wallpaper. The capability to alter chat bubble colors was initially seen on iOS earlier in the year, accompanying the introduction of the theme picker.
While the leaked image does not reveal specific themes—likely due to their ongoing development—it does indicate options for customizing both the message color and the wallpaper. By selecting Message colour and Wallpaper, users will be able to personalize their chat themes.
Understanding the Chat Theme Picker
The new Chat theme menu will facilitate users in selecting a theme preset, or customizing their chat bubble color and wallpaper, which will apply to all chats by default, according to WABetaInfo. It remains uncertain whether users will also have the ability to choose unique chat themes for individual conversations after establishing a default theme.
In contrast to chat themes on platforms such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram, where themes are applicable to all participants in a conversation, WhatsApp will confine the selected wallpaper and chat colors to each individual user’s device. Given WhatsApp’s approach to maintaining similar functionalities across mobile and desktop versions, it is anticipated that these themes will eventually be available on both iOS and the desktop applications as well.
