Meta-owned messaging platform is experimenting with new personalisation tools in its Android beta version, potentially allowing users to change themes, accent colours and app icons, signalling a shift from its long-standing green-centric design identity.
WhatsApp appears to be preparing a significant visual refresh for its Android application, with new personalisation features currently under development. The upcoming tools, identified in a recent beta build, indicate that users may soon be able to tailor the app’s appearance with greater flexibility.
The features were first reported by WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo, which spotted the changes in an Android beta release. Although the options are not yet accessible to the general public, they are being tested with a limited group of developers and beta users, suggesting a broader rollout could follow in a future update.
New icons and visual themes in the works
The beta version, reportedly numbered 2.26.6.1, introduces a range of alternative app icons designed to offer a fresh look on users’ home screens. In total, 14 icon styles have been identified.
Seven of these appear to follow minimalist, single-colour designs such as blue, brown, green, monochrome, orange, pink and purple. The remaining icons adopt more stylised themes, carrying names like Aurora, Fluffy, Galaxy, Clay, Sparkle and Neon. These additions could enable users to personalise the app’s appearance without the need for third-party launchers or custom system settings.
Expanded colour choices across the interface
In addition to icon changes, WhatsApp is reportedly testing broader colour customisation across the interface. Users may be offered up to 19 accent colour options, moving beyond the app’s signature green.
Potential choices include royal blue, violet, coral, teal, brown, beige, yellow, pink, red, orange and dark olive green. A classic theme resembling earlier versions of WhatsApp may also be introduced for those who prefer a familiar aesthetic.
These colour adjustments are expected to influence various interface elements such as navigation tabs, chat filters and floating action buttons, ensuring a cohesive visual experience.
If introduced widely, the update would mark one of WhatsApp’s most notable design evolutions in recent years, reflecting growing user demand for deeper personalisation within everyday digital tools.
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