WhatsApp gets darker dark mode, redesigned navigation, new icons and more design changes

WhatsApp has introduced a series of design changes to its mobile interface for both iOS and Android. Some new changes are quite subtle, while others are more discernible. There are also some additions to the design, such as chat filters, which are said to help improve navigation. The company says these changes increase the functionality of the app while keeping its elements simple and accessible. With the new changes, the app designs for iOS and Android look more similar than before.

The company stated in a blog post that after considering more than 35 color palettes, WhatsApp’s new, consistent green interface was chosen. WhatsApp for Android also received a darker dark mode, with higher contrast and deeper tones to help reduce eye strain in low-light conditions and increase readability.

WhatsApp icons have also been updated with a rounded, outlined look, and to match them are new animations and redesigned illustrations. The original default doodle background has also been subtly updated.

As part of the design overhaul, Android users also get the bottom navigation bar on WhatsApp. This feature was implemented in March of this year. iOS users get a new attachment layout with an expandable tray instead of a full-screen menu. Recently introduced chat filters with separate tabs for unread messages and groups are also included in the redesign.

A previous report suggested that WhatsApp was testing a new zoom control feature that will allow users to switch between different zoom options when clicking images or recording videos directly in the app.