WhatsApp is set to undergo a significant UI redesign.
The new look will include new icons, colors, and a modern look for both Android and iOS apps.
WhatsApp will soon cease support for devices using Android versions 4.1 or older.
Meta is planning to give a facelift to its popular messaging app WhatsApp. The company is reportedly developing a slew of new features including changes in interface that transform the overall appearance of WhatsApp’s UI. According to a recent report by Wabetainfo, WhatsApp is working on improving the user interface (UI) for both iOS and Android apps.
The report suggests that WhatsApp is in the process of revamping its user interface (UI) to give it a fresh and modern look. In the near future, the app will be departing from its current familiar UI in favour of a more contemporary design. This overhaul will include the introduction of new icons, a predominant green colour theme for both light and dark modes, and changes to chat bubble colours and the floating action button. “With the new interface, Whats App plans to introduce a more modern experience by removing the green colour from the top app bar that has always characterised the app,” notes Wabetainfo.
The report further shares screenshots of the developments, highlighting significant updates to WhatsApp’s user interface (UI), particularly in the Android beta version 2.23.20.10. These updates include changes to the top bar, which is now predominantly colourless, both on the home screen and within chats. This alteration aligns with the trend of adopting colourless top bars in apps, a trend that gained popularity with the introduction of dark mode. Colourful action bars could sometimes clash with the dark grey or white backgrounds commonly used in dark mode.
The report also indicates that similar improvements were noticed during the development of the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.19.1.72 update, suggesting a consistent effort to refresh the user experience on both iOS and Android platforms.
Notably, while these UI changes are still in development, the report suggests that WhatsApp may be considering additional improvements before the official release of the updated UI.
Meanwhile, Whats New Feature has issued a warning specifically targeted at users of older Android operating systems. The messaging platform has announced that it will cease support for Android smartphones running Android OS version 4.1 or older. This means that after the support ends, users with these older devices will no longer receive updates for the app and will soon find themselves unable to use WhatsApp on their smartphones.
The official announcement from WhatsApp states that the end of support for smartphones running Android OS version 4.1 and older will take effect 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.
The decision to discontinue support is in line with industry practices, where technology companies assess which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users still using them. Such older devices may lack the latest security updates and may not meet the necessary requirements to run WhatsApp effectively.
