WhatsApp is working on a fresh bottom navigation bar for Android, introducing a floating aesthetic with rounded corners to the messaging platform. The update takes cues from the iOS design while maintaining Android’s unique visual style. Findings from WABetaInfo show this modification was spotted in beta version 2.26.38.10.
WhatsApp Android Redesign: What is Changing?
Rather than stretching across the entire bottom of the screen, the updated navigation bar floats independently from the rest of the interface. The navigation controls take on a distinct shape thanks to their curved edges and detached position.
As reported by WABetaInfo, “ The feature is being developed for both light and dark themes. Users may notice the visual changes more clearly when they enable the light theme. The appearance in dark mode is less prominent. The update focuses on the app’s navigation design rather than introducing a new messaging feature.” That said, WhatsApp has not verified if this visual overhaul will be accompanied by other layout modifications.
This planned navigation bar shares similarities with the floating tab bar that WhatsApp previously rolled out on iOS alongside Apple’s Liquid Glass design language. Even so, the Android edition is not anticipated to duplicate the iPhone interface outright. While the iOS version employs a translucent effect, the Android revision centers on a floating structure with rounded corners.
WhatsApp Floating Bar: When Will It Arrive?
Even though it was spotted within the development code for Android beta version 2.26.38.10, the redesigned navigation bar is not currently accessible to beta testers. WhatsApp is likely to test the feature with a small cohort of beta participants before a broader release in a subsequent update.
Industry analysts note that capabilities uncovered during the development phase are never guaranteed to make it to the public release, meaning WhatsApp could alter or postpone the redesign ahead of a wider rollout.
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