WhatsApp’s updated Android version comes with a new look and improved security

A new version of WhatsApp has been released for Android users, including tabs for Chats, Calls, Communities, and Status at the bottom for simpler navigation. The update brings WearOS compatibility for smartwatches, a Chat Lock feature for safeguarding private chats, the ability to save critical messages in Disappearing Messages, new text overlay capabilities for Status, and more.

The old version of Android includes tabs in a different order – Communities, Chats, Status and then Calls. The new version seemingly has a better order and the company has aligned it on the basis of which tabs a user will likely prefer while using the app. So, the latest order is now – Chats, Calls, Communities, Status.

Along with other smaller changes and improvements, the update now makes the Chat Lock function available to many Android users. People will have the option to fingerprint-lock their really private discussions that they don't want anybody else to see. The Locked Chats won't be shown on the app's home page. To enable it for a chat, one only needs to go to a person's profile, scroll down, and touch on the Chat Lock option.

The platform has added support for WhatsApp on WearOS smartwatches. The users who are using Wear OS watches like Fossil Gen 6, Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and others will be able to access this messaging app on their wearable. 

Android users can also now save important messages for later when using the Disappearing Messages feature. For this, one will just be required to press on a message and choose “keep” to get started. Once you make use of this feature, the selected messages will get saved permanently and the rest of the text will get deleted after a specific time period. 

In addition to new text overlay capabilities for Status, WhatsApp has also altered the typefaces and backdrop colours. GIFs received over WhatsApp chats will now automatically play without the need for a tap. Everyone is receiving all of the new features. However, because this is a slow deployment, it will take some time for all WhatsApp users who use Android to receive this update.