WhatsApp Swipeable Navigation Bar is Finally Official

WhatsApp has been experimenting with a fresh navigation bar design for nearly a year. Initially spotted by beta testers, the alteration reflects the app’s commitment to align with Google’s Material Design principles. However, WhatsApp swiftly reverted the change, only to reintroduce it in June and September of 2023. And now, it has resurfaced once more, catching attention just last week.

WhatsApp Swipeable Navigation Bar is Finally Official

What makes this recent beta test intriguing is its air of finality. Unlike previous tests that solely affected specific devices, last week’s trial included linked Android phones previously unaffected. WhatsApp has now confirmed the change with an announcement on X (formerly Twitter). The revamped tab bar, now affixed at the bottom of the screen, boasts four tabs: Chats, Updates, Communities, and Calls. This marks a departure from the previous layout, which featured a smaller tab for Communities alongside larger ones for Chats, Status, and Calls.

According to WhatsApp, the new bottom bar design is strategically positioned for easier thumb access. Moreover, it supports effortless tab navigation through sideways swiping. The app’s Play Store changelog has been duly updated, and users are witnessing this feature rollout across their devices.

Nevertheless, the beta testing community still has more to anticipate. Notably, WABetaInfo recently unearthed a forthcoming feature—a “Suggested Contacts” section within the Chats tab. Within the latest Play Store beta for WhatsApp (version 2.24.7.23), testers discovered a dedicated section aimed at suggesting new contacts for conversation.

Interestingly, this section resides at the bottom of the active chat list, a less frequented area for many users, given WhatsApp’s paramount importance in certain markets. Nonetheless, it could prove beneficial for new WhatsApp users. Although the feature remains under development, its final implementation might vary. Nonetheless, users anticipate its utility, particularly if it triggers briefly after saving a new contact on WhatsApp or the device’s dialer app.