WhatsApp New Update 2026: Android Settings Menu to Get a Fresh Design With Rounded Sections

WhatsApp Android Update 2026: WhatsApp is reportedly working on a redesigned Settings menu for Android users. The upcoming interface could introduce rounded sections, better-organised options and a cleaner appearance, making it easier to find important settings such as Account, Privacy and Notifications.

According to WhatsApp feature-tracking website WABetaInfo, the new design was spotted during development in WhatsApp Android beta version 2.26.43.3.

The proposed changes are reportedly inspired by Google's Material Design 3 Expressive design system, which focuses on improving the visual organisation and usability of Android applications.

However, the redesigned Settings menu is still under development and has not yet been made available to beta testers. WhatsApp has also not announced an official release date.

WhatsApp Settings Menu May Look Completely Different

WhatsApp regularly introduces interface improvements to make its messaging application easier to use.

The company is now reportedly preparing to change how different settings appear inside its Android app.

Currently, many WhatsApp settings are displayed in a list format, with users scrolling through available options to find the controls they need.

Under the proposed design, related settings would be arranged into separate groups with rounded corners.

Instead of appearing as one continuous list, different categories could be visually separated.

This approach may help users identify related settings more quickly and understand how different options are organised.

The first and last items within a group may feature more rounded corners, giving each section a distinct appearance.

The result could be a more modern Settings menu with clearer visual boundaries between different controls.

Account, Privacy and Notifications to Get a New Look

The reported redesign may affect several important sections of WhatsApp's Settings menu.

These include Account, Privacy and Notifications, which are frequently used by people managing their messaging preferences.

For example, users visit Privacy settings to control features such as profile photo visibility, last seen information, read receipts and other available privacy options.

The Account section contains controls related to account management, while Notifications allows users to customise message and call alerts.

With the proposed interface, these categories could appear in clearly separated rounded groups.

This may make it easier to locate specific controls without changing the underlying functionality.

The design is also expected to provide a more consistent appearance across different settings pages.

What Is Google's Material Design 3 Expressive?

The new WhatsApp interface is reportedly influenced by Material Design 3 Expressive, Google's design approach for creating more visually organised and interactive applications.

The design system uses elements such as distinctive shapes, spacing and visual grouping to improve the user experience.

Rounded containers can help separate different categories of information while maintaining a consistent appearance.

For WhatsApp, adopting similar design elements could make the Settings menu easier to navigate.

It may also help the application feel more closely aligned with modern Android interface conventions.

However, the final appearance may change before WhatsApp officially releases the update.

WhatsApp May Also Redesign Its Bottom Navigation Bar

The Settings menu is not the only part of WhatsApp that could receive a visual update.

According to the report, the company is also exploring changes to the bottom navigation bar.

One proposed improvement involves making the navigation bar smaller when users scroll through the application.

This could provide additional screen space for viewing content.

When users scroll in the opposite direction, the navigation bar may return to its expanded appearance.

Such a feature could make the interface feel less crowded, particularly on smartphones with smaller displays.

WhatsApp is also reportedly considering design adjustments to the chat bar.

These developments suggest that the company is exploring broader interface improvements rather than limiting changes to the Settings menu.

However, the reported navigation and chat bar adjustments are separate developments, and their eventual release is not guaranteed.

Will the New WhatsApp Design Improve Privacy?

The redesigned Settings menu is primarily a visual and usability improvement.

Although Privacy options may receive a new appearance, the report does not confirm any additional privacy protection resulting from this particular redesign.

Existing privacy controls may simply become easier to locate and manage.

Users should therefore avoid confusing the interface changes with the introduction of new security features.

WhatsApp continues to offer privacy and security controls, including two-step verification, chat locking and options to manage personal information visibility.

The proposed design could make navigating some of these settings more convenient, but it does not automatically change their protection levels.

Which WhatsApp Version Includes the New Design?

According to WABetaInfo, the redesigned interface was identified in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.43.3.

However, its presence in a beta build does not mean that users who install that version can access the feature.

Developers often include unfinished interface changes in test versions before enabling them for public testing.

In this case, the Settings menu redesign reportedly remains in development and is not yet accessible to regular beta testers.

WhatsApp may continue modifying the layout before deciding whether to introduce it more widely.

When Will Android Users Receive the New Settings Menu?

WhatsApp has not confirmed a release date for the redesigned Settings menu.

The feature is currently reported to be in development, meaning it may take additional time before it becomes available for testing.

Even after beta testing begins, WhatsApp could introduce the interface gradually to selected users.

The company may also make further changes based on testing results and feedback.

For now, Android users can continue using the existing Settings menu.

Keeping WhatsApp updated through the Google Play Store is a sensible way to receive officially released features when they become available.

Users should avoid downloading unofficial or modified WhatsApp applications that promise early access to unreleased features.

WhatsApp Settings Redesign: Key Details

Why This Update Could Be Useful for WhatsApp Users

WhatsApp has become an essential communication application for millions of people who use it for personal conversations, professional communication and group discussions.

As more features are added, navigating the application can become increasingly complicated.

A well-organised Settings menu may help users manage their preferences without spending unnecessary time searching for specific options.

Grouping related controls can also make the interface easier to understand for people who are less familiar with smartphone settings.

The reported redesign appears to focus on these everyday usability improvements.

Final Takeaway

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a fresh Settings menu for Android users, featuring rounded sections and improved visual organisation.

The interface could make Account, Privacy and Notifications settings easier to find while giving the application a cleaner appearance.

The company is also exploring possible changes to the bottom navigation bar and chat interface.

However, the redesigned Settings menu is not yet available to beta testers, and WhatsApp has not announced an official rollout date.

Android users will need to wait for further updates before the new interface becomes available.

Source: Based on the supplied October 28, 2026 Live Hindustan report citing WABetaInfo. The reported features are under development and may change before public release.