WhatsApp is rolling out a massive update to its popular app on both Android and iPhone. Here’s what’s new.
There are some seismic changes coming to WhatsApp with a new look, improved features and even a refresh to the famous green colour we all recognise when launching the world’s most popular chat app. WhatsApp says it’s releasing the update to improve the usability of the service and enhance the way we all keep in touch.
The upgrade, which is slowly rolling out across the globe makes things look less cluttered on the screen. WhatsApp says it hopes users will feel things now look more fresh and modern without disrupting its core functionality.
Gone is the big block of green which sits at the top of the current app with things replaced by a more minimalist appearance that features lashings of white.
“WhatsApp should feel fresh, fun and yours with a look that’s familiar and native to your device,” WhatsApp explained. “The new design should enhance simplicity, be scalable and future proof.”
The next thing users may notice is the new shade of green which is now brighter and more florescent than before. WhatsApp says it considered over 35 different colour iterations before picking this new shade.
Along with that new green, there’s also a boost for those who love dark mode with WhatsApp now making things even darker. “We heard that people wanted a darker dark mode. We focused on higher contrast and deeper tones to reduce eye strain in low-light environments,” WhatsApp added. “We’re making it one shade darker for improved visual appeal and legibility.”
Next, there are some changes to the icons and illustrations shown within the chat app. WhatsApp has confirmed that it is updating its icons to a rounded, outlined style and, to match the new iconography, it has also refreshed its illustrations and added animation for what it calls a “more playful aesthetic”.
The original default background in chats is also being refreshed. “We learned most people used the doodle, but there was an opportunity to make this even more unique and more related to everyday conversations,” said WhatsApp. “Our team reviewed every piece of artwork in the doodle and explored new options that were simple in style and better represented a diverse set of people and objects.”
The final changes include making navigation easier with the menu bar now moved to the bottom of the screen on Android – it was already in that position on iPhone so both platforms now match.
Sending photos and videos on iOS is now also easier with a new attachment layout. Instead of a full-screen menu, WhatsApp has added an expandable tray that allows you to see the features more clearly when sending media, polls, documents and more.
Filters have also been improved so users can quickly find the right conversations without scrolling through their full inbox. It’s also now possible to select between unread and group filters with just a tap to catch up on missed messages or your favourite group chats.
WhatsApp hasn’t given an exact timeline for a full launch, but expect the changes to arrive on your phone soon.
