WhatsApp Android Redesign Puts Meta AI Right Inside the Bottom Bar

WhatsApp may soon give its Android app a noticeable visual refresh, with a redesigned navigation bar currently being tested in beta. The change is still in development, but early screenshots indicate that the messaging platform is exploring a cleaner and more modern way to organize some of its most important navigation controls.

The redesign does not appear to be a complete overhaul of the WhatsApp Android interface. Instead, the current development is centered on the navigation bar, which is receiving a different shape, appearance and potentially a new role within the overall app experience. This could make the bottom section of WhatsApp look considerably different from the version many Android users currently have.

A More Rounded Navigation Bar

One of the most noticeable changes is the shape of the navigation bar. The new design appears more oval and rounded compared with the existing interface. It also introduces greater transparency, creating a lighter visual presence instead of making the navigation area look like a solid section of the application.

The design direction appears closer to the visual language already seen in WhatsApp on iOS, although the Android version shown in the current testing does not appear to use the same level of transparency. This suggests that WhatsApp could be working toward greater visual consistency between its Android and iOS applications while still maintaining differences between the two platforms.

Meta AI Could Become Part of Navigation

Another significant part of the redesign involves Meta AI. The current Android interface has placed the Meta AI feature in a floating position above the compose button. According to the report, the new design appears to move Meta AI directly into the navigation bar.

If that approach reaches the final release, Meta AI could become more integrated into the standard WhatsApp interface rather than appearing as a separate floating control. This would give the AI feature a more permanent position within the application’s navigation structure.

The screenshots from the early development build reportedly show Meta AI appearing in more than one location at the same time. That is an indication that the interface is not yet finalized and that WhatsApp may still be experimenting with where the feature should appear.

Dark Mode Is Part of the Redesign

The redesigned navigation experience is also expected to accommodate dark mode. WhatsApp already provides a dark interface for users who prefer reduced brightness or a darker visual environment, and the new navigation design is being developed with a corresponding dark version.

This is important because a visual redesign cannot simply focus on how an interface looks in light mode. Navigation elements, transparency and contrast all need to work properly when the application switches between themes.

The early screenshots suggest that WhatsApp is considering these elements as part of the redesign rather than treating the new navigation bar as an isolated visual change.

Still in the Early Testing Stage

Android users should not expect to see the redesigned navigation bar immediately. The reported design was spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.38.10, meaning it is currently part of the application’s development process rather than a confirmed public rollout.

WhatsApp can make significant changes between an early beta implementation and a final public release. Elements shown during testing can be moved, redesigned or removed entirely depending on development decisions and user feedback.

That makes the current screenshots useful primarily as an indication of where WhatsApp’s Android interface could be heading rather than confirmation of the final design.

What the Redesign Could Mean for Android Users

If WhatsApp eventually releases this interface more broadly, the navigation bar could become a more visually prominent part of the Android app. A rounded design, increased transparency and deeper integration of Meta AI would represent a noticeable shift from the existing layout without completely changing how users navigate their conversations.

The most significant functional change may be the position of Meta AI. Moving it into the navigation bar could make the feature easier to access while also making artificial intelligence a more visible part of the everyday WhatsApp experience.

For now, however, the redesign remains under development. The current beta version provides an early look at WhatsApp’s direction, but the final Android interface could still change considerably before reaching regular users.

As WhatsApp continues developing the new interface, the navigation bar could become one of the next major visual changes to the Android application. Users will have to wait for further beta releases and an eventual stable rollout to see which elements of this early design ultimately make it into the public version.