Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 5 hrs ago
WhatsApp tests redesigned chat bar and navigation on Android
WhatsApp is testing a redesigned chat bar for Android that would change how people type and send messages.
In one version, the text field sits above the emoji button, while the circular send button becomes part of the bar.
WhatsApp is also refining its Android bottom navigation bar, including a test that highlights the active tab with a green circle instead of a pill shape.
Earlier experiments included a floating bar and removing text labels from its icons for sections such as Chats, Updates, Communities and Calls.
These changes are intended to give the app a more modern look and make navigation clearer, especially if labels are removed.
Neither redesign is available to users yet, and both may change during development.
WhatsApp has not announced when either feature will reach beta testers or the public app.
WhatsApp is testing changes to its Android interface, including a redesigned chat bar and a revised bottom navigation bar.
The chat bar test integrates the send button into the bar and moves the text input above the emoji button.
A separate navigation test replaces a pill-shaped active-tab highlight with a green circular indicator.
Both designs remain under development and are not available to regular users or beta testers.
WhatsApp has not announced a public release date or confirmed the final designs.
- Who
- WhatsApp.
- What
- It is testing redesigned Android chat and navigation bars.
- When
- The tests were reported between October 10 and October 17, 2026.
- Where
- WhatsApp for Android.
- Why
- The chat bar is described as making the conversation screen more modern; the reason for the navigation changes is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Inshorts reported that WhatsApp was redesigning the Android navigation bar, with the work still in early development.
Gizbot reported a test of a circular indicator for the selected tab in the bottom navigation bar.
The Tech Outlook reported that WhatsApp was developing two chat bar designs for Android.
- Chat bar beta version
- 2.26.41.11
- Navigation beta version
- 2.26.41.7
- Earlier navigation beta version
- 2.26.38.10
- Chat bar status
- Under development; not enabled for beta testers
- Release date
- Not announced