WhatsApp could soon give its Android app a noticeable visual makeover. The messaging platform is reportedly testing a redesigned bottom navigation bar that takes some inspiration from the floating tab design seen on the iPhone.

The change is currently being tested in WhatsApp Beta for Android and is not yet available to all users. If WhatsApp decides to roll it out widely, Android users could see a cleaner and more modern way of switching between the app's main sections.

What Is Changing?

According to reports, the redesigned navigation bar has been spotted in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.38.10.

Unlike the existing navigation area, the new bar reportedly has rounded corners and a floating appearance. It sits separately from the rest of the interface, giving it a more distinct visual design.

The main WhatsApp sections will continue to be accessible through the navigation area, but the overall appearance and controls could feel more modern.

Why Does It Look Like the iPhone Version?

WhatsApp has reportedly been experimenting with a similar floating tab-bar approach on iOS.

The Android version appears to take inspiration from that concept, but it is not expected to simply copy the iPhone interface.

Instead, the Android design will continue to follow Google's design principles. This means Android users could get a visually similar experience while retaining an interface designed specifically for the platform.

The difference is expected to be more noticeable when WhatsApp is being used in Light Theme, while the change may be less obvious in Dark Theme.

WhatsApp Previously Moved Navigation to the Bottom

This is not the first major navigation change for WhatsApp on Android.

Almost three years ago, WhatsApp moved its primary sections to the bottom of the screen. With Beta version 2.23.10.6, areas such as Chats, Communities, Updates and Calls were shifted to bottom navigation.

The latest experiment appears to focus more on how that navigation area looks and behaves rather than simply changing its position.

WhatsApp Wants a More Modern Android Interface

WhatsApp has been making frequent interface changes across both Android and iOS.

The latest redesign also comes amid discussions among Android users about the appearance of the app. Some users have been calling for a more modern interface, particularly as WhatsApp continues adding new features.

The company is also testing other visual changes, including a dedicated category for chat themes.

However, it is important to remember that features found in beta versions do not necessarily make it to the final public release.

When Will Everyone Get the New Design?

There is currently no confirmed public release date.

The redesigned navigation bar is reportedly still in internal development and has not been made available to all beta testers.

WhatsApp may expand the test to more users before deciding whether to release it to everyone. It could also modify the design or delay the rollout.

Meta Is Also Bringing AI to WhatsApp Business Setup

While WhatsApp is experimenting with its consumer app interface, Meta is also working on making WhatsApp Business easier to set up using AI.

Meta recently announced WhatsApp Business Tools MCP, designed to allow AI coding tools such as Claude, Cursor, Codex and ChatGPT to interact with the WhatsApp Business Platform.

The idea is to reduce the amount of manual switching developers currently need to do between Meta's developer tools, Business Manager, documentation and their coding environment.

AI Could Handle Much of the Business Setup

With the new tools, an AI agent can assist with tasks such as creating a WhatsApp Business Account, adding and verifying a phone number, registering the number with the Cloud API and completing required terms and setup steps.

It can also identify unfinished requirements.

For example, if business verification or adding a payment method is still pending, the AI system can highlight the issue before developers begin testing their integration.

Authentication and permissions remain important, with account-level changes requiring an authenticated user.

A More Modern WhatsApp Is Taking Shape

The new Android navigation design is another example of WhatsApp gradually refreshing its interface while continuing to add new functionality.

For users, the change may appear relatively small, but a redesigned navigation bar can make frequently used sections easier to access and give the app a more modern appearance.

For now, Android users will have to wait for WhatsApp to complete testing and officially announce whether the new floating navigation design will become part of the stable app.