Tech News / WhatsApp Android Navigation Redesign: New Floating Bar Spotted In Beta, Check What Changes

Bhubaneswar, Sep 27: WhatsApp users on Android may soon see a noticeable change every time they open the app. The messaging platform is testing a redesigned bottom navigation bar that separates the controls from the bottom edge of the screen and gives them a floating appearance.

The new design was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.38.10, according to WhatsApp-focused tracker WABetaInfo. The feature is still under development and is not yet available for beta testing, meaning regular users cannot access the redesigned interface at present.

What Is Changing In WhatsApp For Android?
The redesigned navigation bar has a more distinct, floating appearance, with rounded corners and greater separation from the rest of the interface.

The change affects the bottom navigation area used to move between WhatsApp's main sections. WABetaInfo reported that the new design is being tested in both light and dark themes, although the change is more noticeable in the light theme at the current development stage.

The design also bears similarities to the floating tab bar used on WhatsApp's iOS interface. However, the Android version is being developed separately, and the current test does not establish that WhatsApp will make the two platforms identical.

WhatsApp Had Introduced Bottom Navigation On Android Earlier
WhatsApp had already made a major navigation change on Android in 2023 by moving its primary sections to the bottom of the screen.

The company's official design documentation later explained that the Android bottom navigation bar was introduced to make navigation more natural by placing tabs closer to users' thumbs. WhatsApp said the redesign was part of a broader effort to make the app feel more modern while retaining its familiar core experience.

WhatsApp's current Help Centre also confirms that the Android app uses a bottom navigation bar for sections including Chats, Updates, Communities and Calls.

Also Read: Pay Utility Bills Instantly with WhatsApp’s New Feature

Is The New WhatsApp Navigation Bar Available Now?
No. The redesigned navigation bar is still under development.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature was discovered in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.38.10, but it has not yet been made available to beta testers. The design may therefore change before WhatsApp decides whether to roll it out more widely.

WhatsApp has not announced an official public release date for the redesigned navigation bar.