Android users may soon see some changes in the interface of the WhatsApp app. According to reports, WhatsApp is testing a new bottom navigation bar in the Android app, which will have a similar design to the interface found on the iPhone.
According to media reports, this change has been spotted in version 2.26.38.10 of WhatsApp Beta for Android. In the new design, the bottom navigation bar looks slightly different from the rest of the interface. Its edges are given rounded corners, due to which it looks like a floating bar on the screen.
A change to the navigation bar after almost three years
WhatsApp shifted its main section to the bottom of the screen in the Android app almost three years ago. With beta version 2.23.10.6, Chats, Communities, Updates and Calls were moved to the bottom navigation.
Now it seems that the company is preparing to change the design of this navigation bar again. This time the focus is not only on the location of the section, but also on the size of the bar, the appearance of tabs and controls.
It will look like an iPhone, but the design will be Android
The look of the new Android navigation bar is said to be similar to the floating tab bar introduced for WhatsApp on iPhone. This change was seen on iOS with Apple’s Liquid Glass design.
However, WhatsApp on Android will not completely copy the iPhone’s design. According to the report, the app will follow Google’s design guidelines for Android. The change to the new navigation bar is more visible in WhatsApp’s light theme, while the dark theme doesn’t show much of a difference.
The changes are due to feedback from Android users
From time to time users have demanded changes regarding WhatsApp’s Android interface. Recently WABetaInfo asked for feedback from users on the X regarding the current Android design. Many users expressed the need to make the appearance of the application more modern.
WhatsApp is yet to say whether this user feedback has had any impact on the new navigation design. However, the company is constantly working on many changes to the interface of the app. This also includes a new category added for chat themes in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.37.6.
The new navigation bar is currently under internal development and is not yet available to all beta users. WhatsApp has also not said when this design will be rolled out to general users.
Meta’s new AI tool for business users
Meanwhile, Meta has also introduced a new tool for setting up WhatsApp Business with the help of AI. The company announced WhatsApp Business Tools MCP on September 15 via the Meta for Developers blog.
This tool allows AI coding tools such as Cloud, Cursor, Codex and ChatGPT to work with the WhatsApp Business platform.
It aims to simplify the process of setting up WhatsApp for business. Currently, developers have to go back and forth between the Meta Developer Console, Business Manager, API documentation, and the coding environment. In the new system, an AI agent can be told what to set up and handle much of the process.
Setting up WhatsApp Business will be easy
According to Meta, a WhatsApp Business account can be created with the help of WhatsApp Business Tools MCP. In addition, the AI agent can also assist in adding and verifying phone numbers, registering numbers with the Cloud API, and fulfilling WhatsApp’s required terms of service.
The tool can also identify important tasks that have not yet been completed. For example, if a payment method needs to be added or business verification is yet to be completed, the AI agent can provide information about this. Also, flaws in the setup can be detected before starting the testing of WhatsApp integration.
Meta said MCP also checks authentication and permissions during setup. Developers sign in with a Facebook for Business login and grant the necessary permissions. According to the company, any changes to account settings can only be made by authenticated users.
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