Last year, WhatsApp was reportedly developing a new interface for its Web client that included a sidebar and a dark mode. Recent updates indicate that this enhanced design has begun to reach select users. The updated WhatsApp Web feature appears to be accessible to some individuals enrolled in the beta program, suggesting that a wider public rollout could be imminent. Additionally, WhatsApp has initiated the rollout of Meta AI to certain users in India.
A report from the WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo states that the new interface is being distributed to a portion of users. However, it notes that not everyone in the beta program has received the update, as the company seems to be conducting a limited testing phase. This redesign does not introduce new functionalities; instead, it organizes existing sections of the platform into a user-friendly sidebar layout.
The new WhatsApp Web interface features a dark mode, which is designed to enhance readability for users who favor the contrast of white text on a black background. Users can find icons for Chats, Communities, Status Updates, Channels, Archived Chats, Starred Messages, and Broadcasted Messages conveniently located in the sidebar. This optimizes navigation for Starred Messages and Archived Chats, which previously lacked direct access.
As the updated interface is currently being rolled out to beta testers, it is expected that it will soon be available to all users within a few weeks. In parallel, Meta has been introducing various features for WhatsApp. Recently, Gadgets 360 discovered that the Meta AI chatbot had been launched for WhatsApp users in India, with the feature later appearing on Instagram and Messenger as well. A Meta spokesperson has reportedly confirmed the company’s intention to test this feature in additional regions.
Furthermore, earlier reports indicated that WhatsApp was developing a link privacy feature that would allow users to disable link previews. This option aims to protect sensitive information displayed in thumbnails and short descriptions from prying eyes within conversations.
