WhatsApp is set to undergo a significant makeover, accompanied by a new feature allowing users to verify their accounts using an email address. These upcoming changes were reported by the WhatsApp-focused news website, WABetaInfo.
Read: Jojo tanks will become smart and connected
In a sneak peek into the development process, WABetaInfo revealed an early version of a redesigned WhatsApp interface within the WhatsApp for Android 2.23.18.18 beta app. The most striking alteration is the introduction of a prominent white app bar at the top, replacing the current green one. In this new design, the WhatsApp name is presented in a bright green font, departing from the current white colour.
Adjacent to the name, the camera, search, and three-dot buttons remain, with an additional profile picture button added for swift access to the settings section. Below the top bar, rounded message filter buttons have been introduced, enabling users to filter chats by “All,” “Unread,” “Personal,” or “Business.”
Tabs such as Chats, Status, Communities, and Calls have now been relocated to a white bar at the bottom of the app. The Communities tab, previously positioned on the far left, is now situated second from the right and features a full name description rather than just a logo.
WABetaInfo anticipates similar modifications for the WhatsApp for iOS app, as WhatsApp seeks to standardize both apps with a uniform interface and feature set, albeit aligning the Android version with Google’s Material Design 3 guidelines.
The new interface will initially be available to beta testers before a wider rollout to general users.
In addition to the revamped interface, WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to verify their accounts via email. This development aims to address the concerns of users who have been locked out of their WhatsApp accounts due to forgotten 6-digit PINs or the non-receipt of SMS one-time passwords (OTPs) during account recovery.
According to WABetaInfo, email verification will be optional, although the system may automatically verify an email address if it matches the Google account used for chat backups.
These changes promise to enhance the user experience on WhatsApp while providing more flexibility and security options for account verification.
