WhatsApp Android update could bring an iPhone-like navigation bar: What we know

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a floating bottom navigation bar on Android, bringing a refreshed interface inspired by its iOS app.

Published on: Sep 28, 2026, 11:12:44 IST

By Sparsh Sharma

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WhatsApp could soon give its Android app a subtle visual makeover, with a redesigned navigation bar that takes cues from its recently updated iOS interface. The Meta-owned messaging platform is reportedly testing a floating bottom bar with rounded corners, giving the controls a more distinct look instead of having them blend into the bottom of the screen. The feature is still under development, however. Here’s everything you need to know about the reported WhatsApp Android redesign.

WhatsApp could soon get a new look on Android, with a floating navigation bar spotted in the latest beta.

WhatsApp’s new navigation bar spotted in beta

As per WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the redesigned navigation bar has appeared in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.38.10. The feature has not yet been enabled for beta testers, suggesting that it is still some way from a public rollout.

The new bar is expected to sit slightly apart from the rest of the interface, with rounded corners that give it a floating appearance. It has reportedly been spotted in both light and dark themes, although the change may stand out more clearly when the light theme is active.

The redesign appears to borrow the general idea of the floating tab bar available on WhatsApp for iOS. The popular messaging platform recently refreshed its iPhone app with visual changes associated with Apple’s Liquid Glass design language.

However, Android users should not expect an identical copy. The two operating systems follow different interface conventions and WhatsApp may adapt the floating design to better suit Android rather than bringing over the translucent styling seen on iOS.

For now, the reported changes appear to focus on the navigation bar itself. It remains unclear whether the Meta-owned platform is also planning a wider interface overhaul.

When could the redesigned bar roll out?

The floating navigation bar is still in development and has not been released to beta testers, according to WABetaInfo. WhatsApp could begin testing it with a limited group of users before making it available more broadly through a future update.

That means there is no confirmed timeline for when Android users will see the new design. Features discovered in beta versions can take weeks or months to reach users and some never make it to the stable release.

The redesign comes amid calls from some Android users for a more noticeable visual refresh. A floating navigation bar would change the app’s appearance without necessarily altering how people move between its main sections.

WhatsApp could still adjust the design before release, including its spacing, shape or appearance across themes. Until the feature reaches beta testing, its final look and availability remain uncertain.

For now, Android users will have to wait for a future update to see whether the floating bar becomes part of WhatsApp’s everyday interface.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sparsh Sharma
Sparsh Sharma is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he covers consumer technology, gadgets, artificial intelligence and the latest trends shaping the digital world. His work focuses on creating research-driven, accessible digital content that helps readers make informed buying decisions and understand how technology is changing their everyday lives. Before joining Hindustan Times, Sparsh spent over two and a half years at Times Network, where he worked across Times Now Tech and covered a wide range of technology stories, from features, news and product reviews to smartphones, gadgets, apps, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging tech trends. During his time there, he closely followed the fast-moving consumer technology landscape and worked on making the latest developments easy to understand for everyday users. Over the years, Sparsh has tested and reviewed multiple smartphones, televisions, audio products, wearables and a wide range of consumer gadgets. His approach to technology coverage goes beyond specifications and benchmark numbers. He is particularly interested in how products perform in real-world situations, how useful they actually are and whether they deliver on the promises made by manufacturers. He is also fascinated by the growing world of artificial intelligence and loves experimenting with the latest AI tools to find new ways of making technology content more engaging. From creating visuals and charts to building diagrams and experimenting with new formats, he enjoys using AI to add a little more fun and context to his stories while keeping the information accurate and useful. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sparsh believes good technology journalism should make complicated things feel simple, relatable and useful. Beyond the newsroom, Sparsh is a massive cricket fan and has been a Virat Kohli fanboy since his childhood. Got an exciting technology story idea, product tip, or something you think deserves attention? Reach out to Sparsh at sparsh.sharma@htdigital.in.Read More

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