WhatsApp is working on a new redesign for its Android app, with the latest changes mainly focused on the bottom navigation bar.
The new design was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.38.10. However, it is still being developed and is not available to regular beta testers yet.
A New Floating Navigation Bar
The redesigned navigation bar will have a more rounded and floating look. Instead of being connected to the bottom edge of the screen, it will appear as a separate bar.
The design looks somewhat similar to the tab bar used on WhatsApp for iPhone. However, WhatsApp is not fully copying Apple’s Liquid Glass design. The Android version will have its own style and is expected to use less transparency.
WhatsApp is testing the new navigation bar in both light and dark modes. The changes are currently easier to notice in the light theme.
Meta AI Could Get Its Own Tab
The new design also suggests that Meta AI could get a dedicated place in the bottom navigation bar instead of appearing only as a floating shortcut.
WhatsApp has already tested a dedicated Meta AI tab on Android in earlier beta versions. The company has also experimented with different navigation layouts, including changes to Contacts, Communities, Updates, and Meta AI.
Because WhatsApp is still testing different designs, the current layout may not be the final version.
Screenshots from the latest beta build even show Meta AI in more than one location, suggesting that WhatsApp is still deciding where it should appear.
Release Date Not Confirmed
WhatsApp has not announced a public release date for the redesigned interface.
Since the feature is still under active development, WhatsApp could make more changes before the new design is officially released to Android users.