‘Finally’ WhatsApp fans say as messaging app plots update that could make a huge difference to how app looks
WHATSAPP has tabled plans to bring five new accent colours to the messaging app, according to reports from beta testers.
Before any app makes adds or removes features for its whole userbase, a handful of beta testers get to try them out first.
According to beta testers at WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is working on a theme picker for the iOS version of the app.
Behind-the-scenes code suggests users will be able to use the theme picker and apply accent colours.
Accent colours can be applied to the message counts on the right side of the chat list, the ring around the status updates, the colours of the selected tabs at the bottom, and some buttons on the interface.
The five colours WhatsApp reportedly plans on using are green, blue, off-white, pink and purple.
READ MORE ON WHATSAPP
WhatsApp's iOS users have long wanted more customisation features.
The five-way colour accents for iOS users are still under development.
So there's a possibility they will never roll out to the entire userbase.
But a recent colour scheme change for Android users reveals just how necessary customisation is for an app you use nearly everyday.
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
";Dear @WhatsApp why the new colour? Is the new shade of green necessary?," one user asked on X (formerly Twitter).
Another wrote: "@WhatsApp the new colour scheme and experience is AWFUL!! DO NOT ROLL THIS OUT."
A third wrote: "The new WhatsApp colour scheme at least on Android is sooo s**t I might puke."
It's unclear if WhatsApp will row back on its colour update for Android users.
Can I become a beta tester?
If you're an Android user who's curious about becoming a beta tester, just follow these steps:
- Head over to the WhatsApp beta test page on the Google Play website.
- Log in to the Google account that you use on your Android device.
- If you've multiple account sign-in enabled, click your user icon in the top-right and choose the preferred one.
- Click the button that says “Become A Tester”
If you're an equally interested iPhone owner, then we have some sad new: WhatsApp's iOS beta test team is currently full.
But you can check back to see if anything changes.
Best WhatsApp tips and hacks
Wondering how to get the most out of WhatsApp? Read on to find out about all the hidden features, tips and hacks for the social media platform...
- How to see deleted WhatsApp messages on your iPhone or Android
- How to know if someone blocked you on WhatsApp
- What does Last Seen mean on WhatsApp?
- How to hide your online status on WhatsApp for iPhone and Android
- How to share your location on WhatsApp
- What happens when you delete WhatsApp?
- How to add contacts to WhatsApp
- What does one grey tick mean on WhatsApp?
- How to use WhatsApp without a SIM card