WhatsApp has initiated a rollout of a new interface design for its Android application, enhancing usability for users who prefer one-handed operation. Earlier this year, the company introduced a bottom-tab layout to beta testers, a feature already available on the iOS platform. The updated interface is now being made accessible to users through the stable update channel.
Users can update to WhatsApp for Android 2.23.20.76 via the Google Play Store to experience the new bottom-tab design. Several staff members of Gadgets 360 reported receiving the update on Monday, while others still access the traditional navigation bar located at the top of the screen, which includes tabs for Chats, Calls, and Status, along with a smaller Communities tab. The revised bottom-tab configuration was first revealed to beta testers in May.
The new bottom-tab layout consists of four key tabs: Chats, Updates, Communities, and Calls. These tabs now feature icons, which were not displayed in the previous top-positioned tabs. The significant advantage of this new navigation system is the ease with which users can switch between tabs while holding their phone with one hand.
Notably, the latest update also brings a limitation compared to the previous design. Users can no longer swipe across tabs, as the earlier layout permitted sliding a finger across the chat list to change tabs. With the introduction of the bottom tabs, users will need to tap to navigate instead of swiping.
Last week, WhatsApp also began implementing other subtle interface changes for those on the beta channel. Gadgets 360 confirmed the removal of the iconic green bar at the top of the Android app, replacing it with a full white interface in light mode. This modification allows the entire app to display dark grey when dark mode is activated.
Additionally, the recent beta release for Android features adjustments to colour accents, making the green tones brighter and more dynamic, particularly in dark mode. The app’s ‘solid’ icons have been updated to ‘outline’ icons for voice and video calls within individual chats and the main chat list camera icon.
