WhatsApp has officially rolled out a major design overhaul after months of testing and refinement. The comprehensive update touches nearly every aspect of the app's visuals, from colours and icons to layouts and illustrations.
WhatsApp Design Timeline
One of the most noticeable changes is WhatsApp's new colour palette. The company considered over 35 different colour options before settling on deeper, more intentional tones to reduce eye strain, especially in low-light environments. The green accent colour now matches WhatsApp's brand, while other hues have been updated for improved readability and focus.
Dark mode has also received an upgrade and has been tweaked to one shade darker to make the text even crisper and easier for the eyes when reading messages. Light mode gets a cleaner, whiter backdrop with increased spacing throughout.
The iconic WhatsApp logo now greets users on the newly rearranged Chats tab, which has been overhauled for quicker navigation. Android users will benefit from a new bottom navigation bar for seamless hopping between chats, status updates, communities, and calls. The iOS version gains an expandable attachment tray for smoother sharing of photos, videos, documents, and more.
The app icons have been refreshed with a rounded, outlined aesthetic, and fun new illustrations with subtle animations bring a playful touch to the experience. From the repositioned search bar to the new colour palate, WhatsApp's redesign aims to help users "focus on the things that matter most on the screen."
