WhatsApp appears to be testing a redesigned interface for its Android app, and one of the biggest changes could involve the way users access Meta AI.
The messaging platform is experimenting with a refreshed bottom navigation bar in its latest beta version. The new interface is still under development, so the design seen by beta testers may change before it reaches the stable version of WhatsApp.
Meta AI May Become Part of the Main Navigation
The most interesting change in the early redesign is the possible integration of Meta AI into WhatsApp’s bottom navigation bar.
At present, the Meta AI shortcut can appear as a floating button near the compose option. In the new interface being tested, Meta AI appears to be moving into the main navigation area instead.
This could make the AI assistant easier to access while also giving it a more prominent position within the WhatsApp interface.
However, the current beta screenshots reportedly show Meta AI in more than one location. This suggests that WhatsApp is still testing different layouts and has not finalized the design.
A More Rounded Navigation Bar
The navigation bar itself is also receiving a visual makeover.
The early design features a rounded, oval-like shape with a more transparent appearance. The updated style gives the Android application a somewhat different look from the existing interface and appears to borrow some visual ideas from WhatsApp’s iOS design.
The Android version, however, does not appear to use the same degree of transparency seen on Apple’s platform.
Dark Mode Gets the New Design Too
WhatsApp is also expected to adapt the redesigned navigation bar for dark mode.
This means the interface should maintain the same overall layout while using colors and transparency levels appropriate for users who have enabled WhatsApp’s darker theme.
Found in WhatsApp Beta 2.26.38.10
The interface changes have reportedly been spotted in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.38.10.
Beta releases allow WhatsApp to test new features and interface changes with a limited group of users before wider deployment. Being available in a beta build does not necessarily mean that a feature will immediately arrive for everyone.
In this case, the design appears to be at an early stage, so additional changes are likely during development.
Public Release Could Still Take Time
WhatsApp has not announced when the redesigned navigation bar will be available to all Android users.
The company may spend several more weeks testing the interface, adjusting the placement of Meta AI and refining the visual design before considering a stable release.
For now, the update is best viewed as an early look at a possible future WhatsApp Android interface, rather than a confirmed final design.
What’s Changing in WhatsApp?
- New bottom navigation bar design
- More rounded and oval-shaped appearance
- Increased transparency
- Meta AI may become part of the navigation bar
- Dark mode version is also being tested
- Currently spotted in WhatsApp Beta for Android
- Final design and release timeline remain unknown
