Meta-owned messaging platform, WhatsApp, has been on a roll with frequent updates to its app. The latest update brings a refreshed look introducing smaller refinements such as a new chat layout, updated icons and new illustrations, and a “darker dark mode.”
WhatsApp says that the new changes are designed to give the platform a “fresh new look while keeping it familiar and easy to use.”
Following user recommendations, the messaging app is darkening its dark mode to enhance visibility.
To give its mobile apps a more streamlined and approachable look, WhatsApp is bringing a deeper tone to its green icon colour designed to be less eye-straining. The brighter green colours will be paired with a cream shade for consistency. This is after experimenting with over 35 different colour options.
The navigation bar is now at the bottom of the screen on Android and lets you quickly switch between chats, updates, communities, and calls. iOS users are getting a new attachment layout – an expandable tray is now replacing the full-screen menu – making it easy to send polls, documents, photos and videos.
WhatsApp is also bringing refreshed illustrations and new animations in chat with the default chat background getting doodle artwork. Additionally, the icons are now more rounded and outlined.
Another expected upcoming feature is the Meta AI integration into the messaging platform. Meta says this integration will allow users to explore “all that Meta AI has to offer, from right within the app”. Users can ask or Search Meta AI questions using the search feature at the top of chats.
This feature is currently available in over a dozen countries including Jamaica, the US, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The company adds that this feature will be coming to other countries soon.
