WhatsApp on Android is testing a major interface redesign

WhatsApp is actively working on a redesign of the Android version of its interface. According to WABetaInfo, the app may introduce a separate Contacts tab.

What will change

The new tab will likely be placed in the bottom navigation bar. In it, users will be able to quickly see:

• Contacts who are currently online
• Contacts who were recently active

People who have hidden their “online” status and last seen time will not appear in this list.

Other interface changes

The update also includes several important rearrangements:

• A separate section for Meta AI tools has been added
• Status updates have been moved to the top of the chat list (similar to Instagram)
• A channel filter is being tested directly within the chats tab

These changes are intended to make the app more convenient and logical, freeing up space for new features.

Possible options

Developers are considering different scenarios. One of them is the full replacement of the Meta AI tab with the Contacts tab. However, no final decision has been made yet.

The feature is still in early development and is not available even to beta testers. The exact release date for the stable version of WhatsApp has not been announced.

In brief

WhatsApp is preparing a major Android interface update, the main new feature of which may be a separate Contacts tab. It would allow users to quickly find online and recently active contacts. Status placement and Meta AI tools will also change. The update is expected to make the messenger more convenient, but the release date is still unknown.