WhatsApp Android Could Get iPhone-Like Redesign With New Floating Navigation Bar

WhatsApp could soon give its Android app a noticeable visual makeover. The messaging platform is reportedly developing a new floating navigation bar that could make the Android interface look more similar to the design available on iPhones.

The experimental interface has reportedly been spotted in WhatsApp Beta version 2.26.38.10 for Android. One of the biggest changes is a redesigned bottom navigation area featuring a rounded, pill-shaped appearance instead of the more conventional bar currently used by the app.

However, Android users should not expect the redesigned interface to appear immediately. The feature is reportedly still under development, which means it is not currently available as a standard feature for all beta testers or regular WhatsApp users.

Here is what the reported redesign could change and what Android users should know before expecting it on their phones.

WhatsApp Testing a New Look for Android

WhatsApp regularly experiments with interface changes before deciding whether to release them widely.

The latest development appears to focus on the app's bottom navigation area, which is one of the most frequently used parts of WhatsApp.

According to the reported beta findings, WhatsApp is working on a floating navigation bar with rounded edges.

Instead of appearing as a fixed section that blends into the bottom of the screen, the redesigned navigation element has a more independent, floating appearance.

The result could give WhatsApp for Android a cleaner and more modern interface.

New Floating Navigation Bar Could Be the Biggest Change

The most noticeable element of the experimental design is reportedly the pill-shaped bottom navigation bar.

A floating design visually separates the navigation controls from the rest of the app's content.

This could make WhatsApp's major sections easier to distinguish while also giving the application a more polished appearance.

The change appears to be primarily related to user-interface design rather than a completely new messaging function.

In other words, users should not expect the redesigned navigation bar itself to change how WhatsApp messages, calls or other core services work.

Android WhatsApp Could Look More Like the iPhone App

WhatsApp's Android and iOS applications provide broadly similar messaging features, but the two versions have traditionally had some differences in their visual presentation.

The reported Android redesign could reduce some of those differences.

The rounded floating navigation approach gives the Android application an appearance that is more closely aligned with modern iPhone-style interface elements.

That does not necessarily mean WhatsApp is making the Android and iOS apps completely identical.

Platform-specific differences can remain because Android and iOS have different interface conventions and system-level behaviour.

Still, the change could give WhatsApp a more consistent visual identity across the two major smartphone platforms.

Cleaner Interface Could Be the Main Goal

WhatsApp has added numerous features over the years, moving well beyond basic one-to-one messaging.

The application now includes calling, communities, channels, status updates and several other tools. As more features are added, keeping the interface simple becomes increasingly important.

A redesigned bottom navigation bar could help organise major sections while keeping them easy to reach.

The floating design may also create more visual separation between the navigation controls and the content displayed above them.

For users, this could make the application feel less cluttered without requiring major changes to familiar WhatsApp functions.

Spotted in WhatsApp Beta 2.26.38.10

The redesigned navigation interface has reportedly been found in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.38.10.

Beta versions are frequently used to test upcoming functionality, design changes and technical improvements before they reach the stable application.

However, the appearance of a feature in beta-related development does not guarantee an immediate public release.

WhatsApp can modify a feature several times during development. It can also postpone a rollout or decide not to release an experimental feature in its original form.

Therefore, the version number should be viewed as evidence of ongoing development rather than a confirmed rollout schedule.

Can Beta Users Try the New Navigation Bar Now?

Not necessarily.

According to the available information, the floating navigation bar remains under development and is not currently accessible to users as a generally available beta feature.

This means installing WhatsApp Beta 2.26.38.10 alone may not make the redesigned interface appear.

WhatsApp frequently develops features internally before enabling them for a limited group of testers.

Even after a feature enters testing, availability can vary between accounts and devices because the company often uses gradual or server-side rollouts.

When Will the New WhatsApp Design Be Released?

There is currently no confirmed public release date for the reported floating navigation bar.

If development progresses successfully, WhatsApp could first make the interface available to a limited group of beta testers.

A wider beta rollout could follow before the company considers releasing it through the stable Android application.

The process can take weeks or months, depending on testing results and any changes WhatsApp decides to make.

Users should therefore be cautious about claims suggesting that the redesign will become available on a particular date unless WhatsApp officially confirms a rollout.

Updating WhatsApp Won't Guarantee Early Access

Android users interested in new WhatsApp features should keep their application updated through the official app store.

However, downloading the latest version does not guarantee access to every feature being developed.

Some changes are activated gradually, while others remain hidden until WhatsApp decides they are ready for broader testing.

Users should also avoid downloading modified WhatsApp applications or unofficial APK files that promise to unlock unreleased features.

Such apps can create privacy and security risks and may violate WhatsApp's terms.

More WhatsApp Design Changes Could Follow

The reported floating navigation bar is another indication that WhatsApp continues to refine the visual experience of its Android application.

A more rounded and floating interface could help bring greater consistency between Android and iPhone versions while retaining the core navigation users already understand.

The final design may still change before release.

Icons, spacing, navigation options and other visual elements could be adjusted as development continues.

Android Users Will Have to Wait

For now, the reported redesign should be viewed as an upcoming experimental WhatsApp feature rather than an officially released update.

The floating pill-shaped navigation bar has reportedly surfaced during development associated with WhatsApp Beta 2.26.38.10, but it is not yet generally available.

If WhatsApp eventually rolls it out, Android users could receive a cleaner bottom navigation experience that brings the app visually closer to its iPhone counterpart.

Until wider testing begins, however, there is no need to reinstall WhatsApp or search for unofficial versions of the app. Users can simply keep the official application updated and wait for the feature to become available through a future rollout.