WhatsApp Tests New Android Chat Bar Design With Cleaner Layout and Updated Navigation

WhatsApp is working on a redesigned chat bar for Android, featuring two layout options, a repositioned send button, updated messaging controls, and a possible circular bottom navigation indicator. The feature has been spotted in beta version 2.26.41.11 and remains under development.

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WhatsApp is developing a brand new chat bar design for its Android version to create a sleeker chat conversation experience. The design update will focus on better arrangement of the messaging buttons such as the text area, emoticon button, media icons, camera, and send button. There are two layouts being developed by the company before picking the one to be used in the actual design.

The new chat bar design of WhatsApp will help in making the chat interface sleek while retaining all essential components. While the update may seem like a minor improvement, changing the layout of often used buttons can enhance chatting experience especially for those who constantly exchange files via WhatsApp.

WhatsApp Tests Two New Chat Bar Layouts on Android

One of the most significant developments is related to the positioning of the text input field and the send button. Within the new layout, the text input field will be situated at the top of the chat bar and above the emoji button. As for the latter, it will be included in the chat bar and thus form an integral part of it.

According to recent reports, WhatsApp is trying out two variations of the layout of the other buttons. First of all, there is an option which is somewhat similar to the current one but includes certain changes in the positions of the buttons. Namely, within this variation, the emoji button will be placed on the right side of the chat bar, whereas the buttons of the attachment and camera will be located on the left and together with the send button.

In such a way, the transition to the new layout may be easier for the WhatsApp users as it will remain rather similar to the current one. Nevertheless, the inclusion of the send button into the chat bar can provide more consistency of the interface of the application.

Unlike the first design, the second one opts for an arrangement where the emojis, attachments, and camera icons are placed in the same location on the left side of the chat bar. The send icon will be situated alone on the right side of the chat bar, creating a more balanced look for the messaging app.

It is not clear at this point which of the two designs WhatsApp will adopt in the end. Moreover, there may be additional changes made by the company after its own tests.

WhatsApp May Also Change the Bottom Navigation Bar

In addition to the revamped message input bar, there are reports that WhatsApp is working on yet another visual tweak pertaining to the bottom navigation bar in the Android version of the app. WhatsApp may swap the existing round shape used to show the selected tab with a circular shape.

The bottom navigation bar enables users to switch between different sections of the app, and hence it constitutes an essential element of the interface. By making changes to the selected tab indicator, WhatsApp could introduce a slightly different visual look for the app along with other interface tweaks.

Although this particular update is minor, it indicates that WhatsApp is considering multiple changes to the interface rather than concentrating solely on the message input area.

WhatsApp Chat Bar Redesign Spotted in Android Beta

The recently revamped chat bar has been seen in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.41.11. However, it is under development and not yet available to beta testers.

In essence, Android users can't turn the new design on from within the application settings. This does not mean the feature will never see light, since it appears in beta, meaning WhatsApp has been developing it.

WhatsApp often tests their UI features before releasing them to a broader audience. While some of them get implemented after going through beta testing phase, others get cancelled or modified in the process.

There has been no announcement about the exact time when this feature will be officially released. It is also unknown whether it will be one of the two new designs of the chat bar.

When Will the New WhatsApp Chat Bar Be Available?

The updated WhatsApp chat bar is currently under development, which means that its full release may take some time. The company could go through further testing of both designs and make changes to the location of the messaging controls in order to come up with the ultimate solution.

In the meantime, Android users are advised to continue using the current design of the chat bar. People who are interested in new features offered by WhatsApp can wait for the next beta update and find out more details about the new navigation indicator.

The release of the update may lead to subtle but notable changes in the look of WhatsApp for Android users. It is still unclear whether the company will stick to the familiar layout with some minor adjustments or choose the other one with a dedicated send button.

WhatsApp is testing two new chat bar designs for Android, with changes to the text box, send button, emoji controls, attachments, and camera placement. The company is also exploring a circular indicator for the bottom navigation bar. Both changes remain under development, and an official release timeline has yet to be announced.