WhatsApp is preparing to launch a redesigned chat bar for its Android app, testing two new layouts that aim to give the app a more modern look.
According to WABetaInfo, these changes appeared in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.41.11. The new chat bar is still being developed and will be available to beta testers soon.
The redesign brings two main changes to the conversation screen.
The text input field will move to the top of the chat bar, sitting above the emoji keyboard button. Moreover, the send button will also move into the chat bar, rather than being a separate element.
Meta-owned WhatsApp is currently testing two different layouts for the updated interface.
In the first layout, the emoji button stays on the right side of the chat bar. The attachment and camera buttons are on the left, next to the send button.
The second layout is streamlined, with the attachment and camera buttons all on the left, and the send button on the right.
Both layouts keep the main changes, but the controls are arranged differently.
This redesign follows WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve its Android interface, such as recent updates to the bottom navigation bar.
WhatsApp has not yet confirmed which chat bar design it will choose or when it will be available.
For now, Android users will need to wait for WhatsApp to enable the redesigned chat bar in a future update.