WhatsApp Settings Update 2026: New Design Could Change Account, Privacy and Notification Menus on Android

WhatsApp New Update 2026: WhatsApp is reportedly preparing a major visual makeover for its Android application, with a redesigned Settings menu that could make navigation easier and more organized. The proposed interface introduces rounded sections, grouped options and a refreshed layout for important settings, including Account, Privacy and Notifications.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, the upcoming design was discovered in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.43.3. Although the beta build is available through the Google Play Store's testing programme, the redesigned Settings interface has not yet been activated for beta testers.

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

If introduced publicly, the update could significantly change how users navigate WhatsApp's settings without necessarily altering the underlying functionality of existing features.

WhatsApp Settings Menu Could Get a Completely New Appearance

WhatsApp's existing Settings interface primarily displays different options in a vertically arranged list.

Users can access sections such as Account, Privacy, Chats, Notifications and other preferences by scrolling through the available menu.

The proposed redesign would replace parts of this traditional layout with visually separated groups.

Instead of displaying every option as an individual list item, WhatsApp may organize related settings inside rounded rectangular containers.

These containers would help distinguish one category from another, potentially making the interface easier to understand.

For users who frequently adjust privacy controls, notification preferences or account information, the new layout could provide a more structured navigation experience.

Rounded Boxes Could Replace the Traditional Settings List

One of the most noticeable elements of the proposed redesign is the use of rounded corners.

According to the reported interface, related settings will appear together inside grouped containers.

The first and last options within each group may feature more prominently rounded corners, while the items between them will appear visually connected.

This approach creates a clear distinction between separate groups of settings.

For example, options belonging to one category could be displayed within a single visual section, while unrelated controls would appear in another.

The design may help users recognize which settings belong together and where one section ends.

However, the final appearance could change before WhatsApp makes the interface publicly available.

Account, Privacy and Notifications May Also Receive the New Layout

The redesign may not be limited to WhatsApp's main Settings screen.

According to WABetaInfo, the company is also exploring similar visual changes for individual settings pages.

These could include:

• Account Settings: A refreshed arrangement for account-related preferences and controls.

• Privacy Settings: A more organized presentation of available privacy options.

• Notification Settings: A redesigned interface for managing message alerts, sounds and notification preferences.

The reported changes primarily concern the appearance and organization of existing controls.

There is currently no confirmation that the redesign will introduce new privacy policies, account restrictions or notification capabilities.

Users should therefore view the development as a potential interface improvement rather than a confirmed change to WhatsApp's core features.

What Is Google's Material Design 3 Expressive?

The proposed WhatsApp interface is reportedly influenced by Material Design 3 Expressive, Google's evolving visual design approach for Android applications.

This design system emphasizes clearer visual organization, distinctive shapes, responsive interface elements and more intuitive interactions.

Rounded containers and grouped lists can make applications appear more modern while helping users identify related functions.

Material Design 3 Expressive also encourages thoughtful use of spacing, navigation elements and visual hierarchy.

By adopting elements associated with this approach, WhatsApp could make its Android interface feel more consistent with the broader Android design environment.

However, WhatsApp has not officially confirmed the full extent of its implementation.

WhatsApp Is Also Exploring a New Bottom Navigation Bar

The Settings redesign is reportedly part of a broader series of interface experiments within WhatsApp for Android.

Another proposed change involves the application's bottom navigation bar.

According to the report, WhatsApp is working on a navigation system that may respond dynamically when users scroll through the application.

While scrolling downward, the navigation bar could become smaller and take on a compact, pill-shaped appearance.

When users scroll upward, the bar may expand to its original size.

This type of interface could provide additional screen space while keeping important navigation controls accessible.

Such a change may be particularly useful when browsing lengthy chat lists or other content within the application.

However, this navigation design remains under development, and its final behavior has not been confirmed.

A Redesigned Chat Bar May Also Be Coming

WhatsApp is reportedly experimenting with changes to its chat interface as well.

These include a potentially redesigned chat bar, although complete details about its appearance and functionality have not been officially announced.

The company regularly evaluates interface adjustments through development builds before deciding whether to release them more widely.

Some experimental features eventually reach public versions, while others may be modified, delayed or abandoned.

Therefore, the appearance of a design in a beta build does not guarantee that it will become available to every user.

Is the New WhatsApp Settings Design Available to Beta Testers?

The redesigned Settings interface was identified in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.43.3.

However, the presence of development-related elements in a beta build does not necessarily mean users can access the feature.

According to the October 28 report, the redesigned interface remained under development and had not been enabled for beta testers.

This means installing the specified beta version would not automatically unlock the new Settings layout.

WhatsApp may continue testing and refining the design internally before considering a broader release.

Users should also avoid installing unofficial modified applications that claim to provide unreleased features, as these may create security and privacy risks.

When Will WhatsApp Release the Redesigned Settings Menu?

WhatsApp has not announced an official release date for the proposed Settings redesign.

There is also no confirmed timeline for when the changes might become available to beta testers or regular Android users.

The company could introduce the interface through a future update after completing development and testing.

Alternatively, it may adjust the design based on technical requirements and feedback before proceeding.

Users interested in upcoming WhatsApp features can monitor official application updates through the Google Play Store.

However, updating WhatsApp to the latest version does not guarantee access to features that remain under development.

Why Could the New WhatsApp Interface Matter to Android Users?

WhatsApp is widely used for personal conversations, business communication, group discussions and everyday information sharing.

As the application continues to expand its capabilities, organizing its settings becomes increasingly important.

A clearer Settings menu could help users locate account controls, manage notification preferences and review privacy options with less effort.

Grouped sections may also make the application easier to navigate for people who are less familiar with its existing interface.

Although the reported redesign does not introduce a major new messaging capability, improved navigation could make everyday use more convenient.

The actual benefits will become clearer only if WhatsApp releases the interface for public testing or general availability.

Final Takeaway

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a refreshed Settings interface for Android, featuring rounded containers and a more organized arrangement of important controls.

The proposed changes could affect the main Settings menu as well as Account, Privacy and Notifications pages.

Additional interface experiments, including a compact bottom navigation bar and a redesigned chat bar, are also reportedly being explored.

For now, these developments remain experimental, and WhatsApp has not confirmed when the redesigned interface will become available.