Physical Address
Islamabad, Pakistan
WhatsApp appears to be preparing another visual refresh for its Android app, with the messaging platform testing a redesigned navigation bar that gives the interface a more modern look.
The change was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.38.10 and is currently under development. This means the design could still change before it reaches regular users.
A New Floating Navigation Bar
The biggest change is the redesigned bottom navigation bar. Instead of appearing as a traditional bar attached to the bottom of the screen, the new design uses a floating layout with rounded corners.
The navigation element remains positioned at the bottom, keeping WhatsApp’s main sections within easy reach while giving the interface a cleaner appearance. Reports indicate that the design takes some visual inspiration from WhatsApp’s iOS interface, although the Android version is not simply a direct copy.
Easier Access to WhatsApp’s Main Sections
WhatsApp previously moved its major navigation sections to the bottom of the Android interface, including Chats, Updates, Communities and Calls. The change was intended to make switching between sections easier and more natural on modern smartphones.
The latest redesign appears to focus more on the appearance and structure of that navigation system rather than moving it somewhere else.
Inspired by the iPhone Experience
The new Android navigation bar has similarities to the floating tab bar used by WhatsApp on iOS. Rounded edges and a separated appearance give the Android interface a more contemporary feel.
However, WhatsApp is expected to maintain differences between its Android and iOS designs because the two platforms follow different interface conventions. The final Android version could therefore look different from the current design being tested.
More Android Interface Changes
The navigation redesign comes as WhatsApp continues to experiment with several interface improvements on Android. Earlier updates have included changes to chat-list organization, group information screens and chat customization.
WhatsApp has also been expanding customization options, including new chat theme categories for Android that provide different visual styles and wallpapers.
When Will the New Design Arrive?
There is currently no confirmed public release date for the redesigned navigation bar. The feature is still being developed, and reports indicate that it has not yet reached general beta testing.
WhatsApp could make additional changes before releasing it more widely. Users should therefore not expect the new floating navigation bar to appear immediately in the stable Android app.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp’s latest Android redesign suggests that the company is continuing to modernize the app’s interface while keeping its familiar navigation structure. The floating, rounded navigation bar could make the app feel cleaner and bring parts of the Android experience closer to the visual language already used on iOS.
For now, Android users will have to wait for further testing and an official rollout before they can try the redesigned interface.
